Guest commentary: The future of software-defined vehicles relies on robust networks

The name of the automotive game in 2024 is software-defined vehicles. Look no further than the latest personalization efforts automakers and suppliers are developing.

Volkswagen is implementing ChatGPT into its vehicles. Continental has announced the world's first automotive facial recognition system to access entry and control vehicle features. But how will these new software systems be supported internally to ensure proper operation? It starts with the networking hardware.

The convergence of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced vehicle sensors and ubiquitous connectivity are propelling the automotive industry forward at a more rapid pace than ever. At the heart of this transformation lies the rise of software-defined vehicles, a paradigm in which software plays the central role in defining a vehicle's functionality and performance. The "biology" of the automobile is fundamentally changing.

Traditionally, vehicles have been hardware-centric, with physical components dictating capabilities. Engine displacement determined power, the number of gears governed acceleration, and physical buttons controlled features. However, software-defined vehicles break free from these hardware constraints, placing software at the forefront of capabilities. Imagine a vehicle where performance can be fine-tuned through software updates, new features and functionalities can be downloaded on demand, and personalized driving experiences are crafted through software algorithms. This is the transformative potential of software-defined vehicles.

The critical enabler of this software-driven future is the robust and intelligent networks woven into the fabric of modern vehicles. These automotive networks, far exceeding the simple data buses of yesterday, are sophisticated ecosystems facilitating seamless communication between various onboard systems, sensors and the external world.

These networking advancements are empowering software to take the driver's seat in vehicle development and operation. Massive amounts of data are now able to be generated, transmitted throughout the vehicle, and communicated to the world outside. Multiple facets of the vehicle can now be transformed by software.

Power generated by gasoline engines and electric motors alike can be adjusted by the driver for individual preference or varying scenarios. Fuel efficiency and power consumption can be fine-tuned through software. Even suspension handling characteristics can be tailored to driver preferences and environmental conditions through onboard or over-the-air updates.

New features and functionalities can be downloaded and activated on demand. This continuous vehicle evolution ideally caters to diverse user needs and positions automakers to be more responsive to market changes. Traditional vehicle trim levels can be replaced by a driver precisely selecting the desired features to their taste and need.

One often overlooked application for software-defined vehicles is maintenance. Suggested maintenance intervals will be replaced with predictive maintenance and self-diagnosis. Advanced algorithms can analyze sensor data to predict component failures and proactively schedule maintenance, minimizing downtime and maximizing vehicle uptime.

These software-driven transformations lead to a more personalized driving experience. Some of these advancements are in use, and others are close to being implemented. Given the current timeline of software-defined vehicle system implementation, several challenges have emerged.

Security and privacy must be at the forefront of these systems during development. Robust cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect against cyberattacks and ensure data privacy in software-defined vehicles. Users will reject any system they perceive as unsafe or intrusive. Trust in software systems by the public is built on security and privacy.

Standardization and interoperability are also critical to the development of software-defined vehicles. A lack of unified standards across manufacturers and technologies can hinder seamless communication and data exchange. While automakers have traditionally been private and protective about their in-vehicle systems, a seamless experience for users must be kept in mind to optimize satisfaction.

Ethical considerations remain a concern for vehicle users. What happens to the data collected by software-defined vehicles? Who owns that data? Issues such as liability in autonomous driving scenarios and the potential misuse of collected data require careful consideration and ethical frameworks.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by software-defined vehicles are too vast to ignore. By fostering collaboration between automakers, technology suppliers and policymakers, the automotive industry can overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of software-defined vehicles.

The road ahead for software-defined vehicles is paved with both excitement and challenges. However, by embracing the power of automotive networking and addressing the roadblocks with ingenuity and collaboration, a new era of mobility can be unlocked — one where software takes the wheel and propels us toward a smarter, safer and more sustainable transportation landscape.