Realizing the Smartphone on Wheels

The compilation, processing, and interpretation of the rapidly growing data volumes necessary to realize this development are leading to a hidden but highly impactful revolution: A new type of network and vehicle architecture, which shapes the next steps in the evolution of mobility. Today's vehicle architectures are reaching their limits in terms of complexity and capability. The automotive industry is therefore shifting to  a completely new approach with the goal to create a central architecture: The computing power with corresponding functions is now being concentrated in a few but powerful central computers, while zone controllers ensure the reliable execution of the vehicle functions. This is how the software frees itself from the limitations of hardware and creates the prerequisite for continuous updates and improvements to the “lifelong learning” vehicle. This new approach not only transforms technology and the product portfolio, in fact, it hugely impacts a multitude of aspects. With these new architectures, vehicles will become an integral part of the Internet of Things. They will evolve and adapt over the lifetime and seamlessly integrate in the digital life of their owners and users. For the industry, these new architectures and high-performance computers lead to a profound transformation. They change how we develop technology, how we work together, and they demand new competencies in our project teams.

For our business, this development presents new challenges but also opportunities. The traditional hardware-focus in the automotive industry will increasingly be supplemented and partially replaced by software and service-driven business. This will create new value streams that will drive new business models and establish new forms of cooperation not only between suppliers and OEMs but also between vehicle buyers or users and automotive manufacturers.

At our TechTalk on July 27, 2021, you were able to learn about the impact the transformation of products, processes and business models has on us, as the first tier-one supplier to successfully bring a high-performance computer into series production, the mobility and the industry.