Driving Automotive Research Forward with Open-Platform Over-the-Air Updates and Upgrades
A Project between DXC Technology and Excelfore
EDITOR: THEODORA ALEXE
Leveraging advanced vehicle-to-cloud connectivity, over-the- air (OTA) updates have become a critical enabler for the modern, software-defined vehicles. Not only do they add new features, fix bugs in the ECUs’ embedded software and solve technical issues, but they also improve the cybersecurity of the vehicle without time-consuming workshop appointments and downtime. Downloadable software upgrades span every aspect of the vehicle: from optimized infotainment applications to better battery range, enhanced performance of safety-critical braking and steering systems up to engine performance improvement. Crucially, they allow service and maintenance to be done at home or on the go, simultaneously delivering consumer satisfaction as well as cost and revenue benefits for the mobility players involved. Thus, OTA updates are compelling especially because they allow digital mobility services and vehicle innovations to be continuously provided throughout a vehicle’s lifetime.
Researching the various social and technological implications of connected vehicles is crucial for both the automotive players and the policy makers. To further advance the development of flexible, open vehicle platforms, DXC Technology and Silicon-Valley based Excelfore Corporation have teamed up with Fraunhofer IAO and Mercedes-Benz AG within the FlexCAR project of ARENA2036 . The idea of an open platform with open interfaces was a visionary response to the ever-changing user requirements which usually lead to shortened product and tech lifecycles in the mobility space. Thus, the goal of their collaborative FlexCAR research project was to connect all embedded systems of the Rolling Chassis demonstrator vehicle to the cloud. The main challenge? Using an open, end-to-end data pipeline for OTA updates and cloud diagnostics.
eSync — Cloud Connectivity Demonstrator
A must-have for every ADAS or autonomous driving application, object recognition uses a customized computer vision software which needs to be repeatedly updated both during the vehicle’s development and the vehicle’s lifetime. By working together, DXC and Excelfore enabled the updating of the computer vision software and the testing of successful feature changes and additions to the emulated rolling chassis vehicle. This allowed for recognition of new objects or improvements of critical framing rates. Excelfore provided the open eSync software development kit (SDK) consisting of software packages, manuals and the access keys of the cloud application (OTA campaigner). The company then provided remote support to the DXC team for the integration of the OTA-software protocols into the prototype, which was based on 2 RaspPis: RaspPi1, a hardware emulating the rolling chassis and RaspPi2, a domain controller and an embedded system for object recognition.
Thus, by implementing OTA updates within the rolling chassis, the researchers optimised data processing from LiDAR sensors and extended algorithms for measurements and further calculations within the vehicle and in the cloud.
Future Outlook
With the successful OTA software integration and test runs of OTA campaigns completed, the next step is to transfer the prototype embedded system to the Rolling Chassis of the FlexCAR research project in the ARENA2036. In order to enable the most advanced OTA-supported use cases, the teams will also integrate the campaign management in the cloud and the 5G mobile network at ARENA2036.
Through their project, DXC and Excelfore have demonstrated the ability to quickly and expertly establish OTA connectivity into any automotive system. Their capabilities range from PoC projects with advanced development teams to OTA-connectivity integration in innovative domain- or zonal controlled and ethernet-based E/E architectures as well as current automotive production programs with late OTA integration into legacy E/E systems. There is no doubt that these professional partners can readily implement production-grade OTA-connectivity for any automotive project
that will further advance the future of connected vehicles.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Leon Schürmann (DXC Technology), Philipp Wende (DXC Technology), Jürgen Dettling (DXC Technology), Alexandra Daes (DXC Technology), Shrinath Acharya (Excelfore) and Volker Haninger (Excelfore).
About STARTUP AUTOBAHN
STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play is a neutral innovation platform moderating an in-depth and curated collaboration between core partners from industry and young tech companies. The program is stage agnostic and designed to accelerate startups by connecting them to the right business units of our Corporate Partners in order to lay the groundwork of a
successful cooperation and eventually outstanding pilot projects,
implementations or investments.
Plug and Play Tech Center, Mercedes-Benz AG, ARENA2036, University of Stuttgart, ZF, DXC Technology, Porsche, BASF, Webasto, Motherson, DPDHL, Bosch, Schaeffler, STMicroelectronics, Murata, AGC, Hyundai, Linde, BP, Wieland, Faurecia, Eberspächer, ADAC, Sekisui, Plastic Omnium, Zenzic, Maxion, Novelis, ITT, Grupo Antolin, Huf Group, CEAT
Contact for this project
Theodora Alexe, Ventures Associate, STARTUP AUTOBAHN powered by Plug and Play, theodora@pnptc.com
Philipp Wende, Senior Consultant Automotive, DXC Technology, philipp.wende@dxc.com
