Bridging Physical and Virtual Worlds for the Age of Physical AI

Enabling OEMs, suppliers and mobility innovators to develop, test and validate intelligent systems through integrated simulation and engineering solutions.

Rear view of a person analyzing digital 3D car model and performance graphs on dual computer monitors.

KAN Engineering is a UK-based deep-tech engineering company helping the automotive industry bridge the gap between physical and virtual vehicle development. We specialise in simulation integration, validation technologies and software-defined vehicle engineering; helping manufacturers and technology providers develop, test and deploy increasingly complex intelligent systems with greater speed, confidence and efficiency.

As the industry moves towards Software-Defined Vehicles and Physical AI, connecting virtual development environments with real-world testing has become a critical challenge. Physical AI systems must be trained, validated and trusted across countless operating scenarios before deployment, and we believe integrated simulation environments are fundamental to making that possible.

KAN Engineering was founded by Dr Amir Soltani, an automotive mechatronics and simulation specialist with more than 35 years' experience spanning industry, academia and entrepreneurship. Around him, we've built a team of experienced engineers, software developers and simulation experts, shaped by years of hands-on work with OEMs, proving grounds, technology suppliers and collaborative R&D programmes at the forefront of automotive innovation.

At the heart of our offering is KAN-Do, a vendor-agnostic real-time and simulation integration platform that seamlessly connects simulation models, tools, XiL rigs, test systems and engineering workflows across the vehicle development lifecycle. It's the digital backbone that enables seamless collaboration between physical and virtual environments — a foundation for scalable validation, continuous verification and the next generation of Physical AI systems.

Unlike standalone software providers, we combine that technology with hands-on engineering services in system integration, simulation and technical consultancy, helping customers build and operate complete development and validation ecosystems, while reducing complexity, cost and risk. Our work has supported industry-leading initiatives in simulation interoperability, digital engineering and advanced vehicle validation, including collaborative programmes with global OEMs and leading research organisations. Today, KAN-Do runs live in vehicle development and test environments, helping organisations accelerate the left shift towards connected, autonomous, electrified and software-defined mobility.

Rear view of a person analyzing digital 3D car model and performance graphs on dual computer monitors.
OUR STORY

A look back at the innovations that built KAN

2019

Founded KAN Engineering

Established to deliver advanced simulation, systems integration and engineering solutions for the automotive industry.

2020

UTAC Simulation Laboratory Delivered

Designed, developed and operated an advanced simulation facility at UTAC Millbrook, integrating physical and virtual testing technologies for next-generation vehicle validation.

2021

Zenzic Interoperable Simulation Programme

Technical lead on the UK's flagship programme for simulation interoperability, helping shape future validation frameworks for connected and automated mobility.

2022

IET Innovation Award

The national CAM testbed interoperability initiative, on which KAN Engineering served as technical lead, was recognised as the Most Innovative Solution in Future Mobility at the 2022 IET E&T Innovation Awards.

2022

KAN-Do Vision Created

Initiated the development of KAN-Do, inspired by years of experience integrating simulation tools, models and test environments.

2023

GreenCode International R&D Project (EUREKA/Innovate UK)

Joined the GreenCode consortium, collaborating with 21 organisations to advance sustainable software development through simulation integration and validation technologies for software-defined vehicles.

2024

KAN-Do Platform Expansion

Extended KAN-Do across MiL, SiL, HiL, DiL and proving-ground environments, enabling connected engineering workflows and scalable validation.

2025

Industry Deployment

KAN-Do adopted within OEM and proving-ground programmes supporting vehicle development, testing and validation.

2026

Enabling Software-Defined Vehicles

Expanded KAN-Do to support continuous verification and validation workflows required for Software-Defined Vehicle development.

2026

Enabling Physical AI

Positioned KAN-Do as the digital backbone connecting physical and virtual worlds for the development and validation of intelligent vehicle systems for the Physical AI era.

Future

Infrastructure for Trusted Physical AI

Building the integrated simulation and validation infrastructure needed to enable trusted Physical AI and next-generation mobility.

Dr Amir Soltani, Founder

The vision behind KAN Engineering

KAN  Engineering was founded in 2018 by Dr Amir Soltani to close the gap between  physical testing and advanced simulation. His mix of hands-on engineering,  academic research and business leadership still shapes how we work: we're  technically rigorous, we focus on delivery, and we work closely with our  customers to solve hard simulation problems.

Dr Amir Soltani has more than 35 years of experience in automotive and mobility, across industry and academia. He holds a PhD in Automotive Mechatronics from Cranfield University, where he later lectured in HiL simulation and active chassis control. He has worked on more than 80 industrial and R&D projects.

KAN GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

OUR PURPOSE

CONNECTING PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL WORLDS

OUR MISSION

To accelerate the development of safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility by bridging physical and virtual worlds.

OUR VISION

A world where physical and virtual intelligence work seamlessly together.

Speak to one of our expert team

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