> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.auterion.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.auterion.com/app-development/simulation/auterion-simulator.md).

# Auterion Simulator

**Auterion Simulator** is a photorealistic drone simulator designed for testing, training, and developing autonomous flight systems in safe, controlled environments. Built on high-fidelity physics and detailed 3D landscapes, it provides operators and developers with realistic image streams, making it especially well-suited for developing and validating vision-based algorithms.

<figure><img src="/files/5vINQFxOGJzcsEiakQd8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Hardware Requirements

The **Auterion Simulator** has been tested on the following platforms:

* **Asus G14** with CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Max-Q (Mobile) | RAM: 32 GB
* **Lenovo Yoga Pro 9** with CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile) | RAM: 32 GB
* **Tower PC** with CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7700XT | RAM: 64 GB
* **Tower PC** with CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER | RAM: 32 GB

## Installation

{% hint style="warning" %}
Auterion Simulator is, at present, supported exclusively on Ubuntu.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you already had a previous version of Auterion Simulator installed, or if you want to reinstall it starting from a clean slate, make sure to delete the old install directory with:

`sudo rm -rf ~/.auterion-simulator`
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Ubuntu 22, 24 or 26" %}

1. Follow [Simulation-Gazebo Reference](/app-development/simulation/virtual-skynode/simulation-gazebo-reference.md#installation) to install and configure *Simulation-Gazebo debian*
2. Install [QEMU](https://docs.auterion.com/app-development/app-development/application-development#docker-setup)
3. Install *virtual-skynode (*≥ 0.3.&#x31;*)* following [Virtual Skynode](/app-development/simulation/virtual-skynode.md#installation)
4. Install *python3* and *python3-pil.imagetk* with:

   ```bash
   sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pil.imagetk
   ```
5. Download the latest *Auterion Simulator* release from [Auterion Suite](https://suite.auterion.com/store/developer) and extract it anywhere (you will end up with a folder called `UAS-v<x.y.z>-vanilla`)
6. Download *AMC* from [Auterion Suite](https://suite.auterion.com/store/amc)\
   (afterwards: <https://docs.auterion.com/vehicle-operation/auterion-mission-control/installation#ubuntu-linux>)
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Ubuntu 25" %}

1. Follow [Simulation-Gazebo Reference](/app-development/simulation/virtual-skynode/simulation-gazebo-reference.md#installation) to install and configure *Simulation-Gazebo debian* (will run instide Docker)
2. Install *QEMU* with:

   ```bash
   sudo groupadd libvirt
   sudo mkdir -p /etc/libvirt/qemu/networks/autostart
   sudo apt install libvirt-daemon-driver-qemu binfmt-support qemu-user-static
   ```
3. Install *virtual-skynode (*≥ 0.3.&#x31;*)* following [Virtual Skynode](/app-development/simulation/virtual-skynode.md#installation)
4. Install *python3* and *python3-pil.imagetk* with:

   ```bash
   sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pil.imagetk
   ```
5. Download the latest *Auterion Simulator* release from [Auterion Suite](https://suite.auterion.com/store/developer) and extract it anywhere (you will end up with a folder called `UAS-v<x.y.z>-vanilla`)
6. Download *AMC* from [Auterion Suite](https://suite.auterion.com/store/amc)\
   (afterwards: <https://docs.auterion.com/vehicle-operation/auterion-mission-control/installation#ubuntu-linux>)
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

## Usage

### Starting the Simulator

The following steps explain how to launch the **Auterion Simulator**:

1. Start the **Auterion Simulator** Launcher with:

   ```bash
   cd UAS-v<x.y.z>-vanilla
   sudo python3 ./AuterionSimulatorManagerGUI.py
   ```

   The following window will appear:

   <figure><img src="/files/pRNRyAR1zzpAVtlkTvjs" alt="" width="542"><figcaption><p>Auterion Simulator Launcher GUI in "Stopped" state</p></figcaption></figure>
2. Use `<<` and `>>` buttons to select the desired vehicle
3. Click on **Start Simulation** and wait until **Simulator Status** becomes green with “Running” as status text (on the first start, this can take a few minutes since the Virtual Skynode is installing all the required apps):\\

   <div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/FczgyoSV4mor40R0UMmm" alt="" width="542"><figcaption><p>Auterion Simulator Launcher GUI in "Running" state</p></figcaption></figure></div>

### Everyday Workflow

The following explains how to use the simulator in everyday practice:

1. Follow the steps in [#starting-the-simulator](#starting-the-simulator "mention")
2. Start *AMC* and you are ready to fly!

{% hint style="info" %}
To restart the simulation, click on **Restart Simulation** and wait a few seconds for AMC to reconnect to the new instance.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
To change the simulated vehicle, click on **Stop Simulation** and go to point 2.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
To exit the simulator, click either on **Quit** or on the close button in the status bar.
{% endhint %}