Software-Defined Vehicles: Architecture Powering the Next Evolution of the Automotive Industry
More and more consumers now expect their vehicles to provide an experience no different from that provided by other smart devices. They want to be fully integrated into their digital lives and want vehicles that can manage operations, add features and enable new features primarily or entirely through software.
According to a GMI report, the global software-defined vehicle (SDV) market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand for advanced features in vehicles, stringent vehicle safety regulations, and increased investments. Research and development, improved navigation and connectivity. So what exactly defines an SDV, and what is the architectural foundation behind a car that delivers connectivity, automation, and personalization?
SDV in a nutshell
In SDVs, vehicles serve as the technology foundation for future innovation and serve as command centers to collect and organize vast amounts of data, apply AI to gain insights, and automate thoughtful actions. SDV separates hardware and software, allowing for updates and upgrades, automation or autonomy, and continuous connectivity. Interact with the environment and learn and support service-based business models. At the same time, onboard electronics evolve from individual electronic control units to high-performance computers with higher performance and simplified integration.
Close up of SDV architecture
infra floor
This layer includes not only vehicles, but also communications equipment, roadside devices, smart city systems and similar components, as well as various back-end systems from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These elements are all part of the circular process through which vehicle data is used for development, operations and service. Based on insights gained from this data, new software is delivered to the vehicle via over-the-air updates.
Hybrid cloud platform layer
The IBM approach spans a uniform Linux® and Kubernetes-based platform from the vehicle to the edge of back-end systems. It is supported on Red Hat® Enterprise Linux and Red Hat® Openshift®, giving you the flexibility to deploy software as software containers and following the “build once, deploy anywhere” principle. Software can be developed and tested on the backend before being easily deployed to vehicles or infrastructure. All of this provides unprecedented flexibility.
Standardizing application software by abstracting it into containers increases developer productivity by making the software more maintainable and portable. The hybrid cloud approach is complemented by IBM Edge Application Manager, enabling OEMs to autonomously scale and operate edge solutions with the IBM Embedded Automotive Platform, a Java runtime optimized for in-vehicle use.
AI and data platform layer
AI models have long played an important role in vehicle functions such as ADAS/AD. Some OEMs, like Honda, are using AI for knowledge management to deliver safer, more personalized cars. When it comes to vehicle operations, AI is currently applied in cybersecurity to analyze incoming security events and incidents, and in telematics data analysis to gain insights into the driving experience.
Today, generative AI can significantly improve SDV development and operations by automatically generating artifacts such as test cases, architecture models, and software source code. This requires an AI and data platform like IBM watsonx™. You must manage multiple base models optimized for each use case, build custom base models based on customer proprietary standards, and protect engineering data from being incorporated into public open source base models that competitors may leverage. . Additionally, technologies such as the IBM Distributed AI API can help OEMs optimize the deployment and use of AI models in edge devices, such as vehicles.
security layer
OEMs are increasingly adopting a Zero Trust framework for cybersecurity to counter external and internal threats across development, in-vehicle operations, and enterprise environments. One of the key elements of vehicle security is the vehicle security operations center. This is where IBM Security® QRadar® Suite can be used for threat detection, security orchestration, automation, and response.
OEMs must also encrypt messages within the vehicle and all other communications that extend outside the vehicle. This can be achieved through IBM Enterprise Key Management Foundation. Finally, IBM Security® X-Force® Red offers specific automotive testing offerings.
AI product layer
Modern development platforms such as IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management enable the automotive industry to execute agile software development in a modern CI/CD environment. We provide traceable requirements engineering, model-based systems engineering and testing, fostering collaboration, managing product complexity, applying data-driven insights, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, AI engineering enabled by platforms such as watsonx allows you to deliver personalized customer experiences. Engineering data management solutions help customers manage the extensive data required for autonomous driving development, as demonstrated in the Continental case study. Intelligent platforms such as IBM Cloud Pak® for Network Automation enable automation and orchestration of network operations, especially as they relate to carriers in the infrastructure. On the backend, IBM Connected Vehicle Insight helps manufacturers build connected vehicle use cases.
Equally important, SDV requires a lot of expertise from a variety of providers. This is why ecosystem collaboration plays an important role in SDV architecture.
Ultimately, every component of the architecture plays a clearly defined role in ensuring the best possible experience for the vehicle’s drivers and passengers and solidifies SDVs as the next evolution of the automotive industry.
Planning to attend? CES, in Las Vegas from January 9 to 12, 2024? To learn more about SDV technology, visit the IBM Meeting Center.
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