St Germain en Laye, August 29th 2024.
Since the turn of the century, automobile manufacturing has been defined by an assembly of mechanical and electrical functions: an engine, a body, wheels, steering, etc. And different control organs called ECUs (Electronic Control Unit) which manage more and more computer functions: engine maps, braking, windshield wipers, then driving assistance or ADAS and finally infotainment.
Currently, numerous calculators, likely computers, are integrated into vehicles, each responsible for specific functions such as the operation of rearview cameras. Once a function is established and meets the standards of performance and reliability, manufacturers typically refrain from altering it for that particular car model. The process of defining and assembling a model spans approximately 5 to 6 years, during which its functions become fixed and unchangeable.
Tesla revolutionized the automotive industry by creating vehicles based on a general IT framework known as the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV). This concept resembles a computer equipped with seats and wheels. The key distinction lies in Tesla’s ability to enhance its vehicles over time via software updates, in contrast to competitors whose vehicles tend to remain largely unchanged throughout their lifespan. A common scenario involves the necessity of visiting a dealership or service center merely to update the navigation system. Currently, nearly all manufacturers are beginning to investigate this innovative approach, with India appearing to progress at a notably rapid pace.
Today, focus on India which seems to be taking the lead on this issue. Sriram Lakshminarayanan, CTO of Tata Technologies, was interviewed by Techcircle.com. Here some extracts:
“Vehicles are now evolving into high-performance computing platforms, and we’re at the forefront of this transformation. We’re engaged in cutting-edge work, developing multiple proof-of-concepts (POCs) and minimum viable products (MVPs) that explore how this evolution will unfold.”
“Often, IT companies have supported automotive projects in a piecemeal fashion, focusing primarily on areas like mobile app development or cloud hosting. We position ourselves as a full-spectrum vehicle engineering company. We combine our expertise in Full Vehicle Programs with cutting-edge technology, offering a cohesive, end-to-end solution.”
In other words, similar to smartphones, future vehicles will have the capability to support software from various providers, as NEXYAD, to control all functionalities, not limited to infotainment, even post-purchase. The manufacturer will merely need to update the software via over-the-air downloads.
Read complete article here: https://www.techcircle.in/2024/08/28/unlike-it-services-piecemeal-approach-we-focus-on-full-spectrum-vehicle-engineering-tata-technologies-cto
Read NEXYAD offer for SDV, prudence-based autonomous driving: https://nexyad.net/Automotive-Transportation/prudence-based-automated-driving/
