A Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) lab is a specialized facility where embedded software and electronic control systems are tested and validated in a simulated environment.
In a HIL lab, real hardware, such as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), is connected to a simulated environment that mimics real-world conditions. This approach enables extensive, automated testing without the need to use actual equipment or expose it to risks.
HIL testing is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries to ensure system functionality before deployment in real applications.