Source: Ruslan Ivantsov/Transport via Adobe Stock.
The automotive sector is experiencing a significant change as it transitions from being focused on hardware to embracing software-defined vehicles. This evolution is supported by open-source software, which provides resources that improve flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, allowing automotive firms to innovate and respond to digital trends more efficiently. In the first of this two-part blog post series, we aim to provide some context around open-source software’s vitality in the automotive sector and provide examples of use cases.
Bridging automotive and IT
Open-source software has become a vital element in enterprise IT, significantly impacting software development, IT operations, and the integrated field of DevOps. A recent study conducted by 451 Research, a part of S&P Global reveals that more than one-third of respondents from enterprise IT consider open source as their main software source. As the automotive and IT sectors increasingly overlap, open-source solutions are crucial for automotive firms looking to enhance innovation, lessen dependence on proprietary systems, and speed up the introduction of new features and services. This intersection not only promotes collaboration among industry players but also aligns with larger technological movements such as cloud computing and generative AI, where open-source projects are leading advancements and influencing the future of automotive technology.
Collaborative development in the era of software-defined Vehicles
The shift towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs) necessitates adaptable and upgradeable vehicle systems, with software emerging as the core element of vehicle functionality. This software development is a joint effort among various companies and industry organizations. As indicated in a separate study also conducted by 451 Research, a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, which focused more specifically on potential use cases, most automotive firms consider ecosystem stakeholders as their main partners in software development. This includes tier 1 suppliers (33%), technology integrators (20%), and IT vendors (19%), while only 23% engage in independent development. Despite these collaborative initiatives, speeding up automotive software development continues to pose challenges. Open-source software plays a crucial role in this evolution, offering a collaborative framework that enables automotive companies to isolate non-differentiating components and to create and implement new technologies more effectively.
Use cases
Traditionally, the automotive industry has utilized open-source software (OSS) primarily in the “infotainment” and cockpit areas, focusing on the creation of user interfaces, multimedia systems, and connectivity features. Following this, OSS has also been applied in the driving and body domains, which encompass vehicle control systems and body electronics. However, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are essential for safety in driving, have largely relied on proprietary software due to strict safety and reliability standards.
Recently, advancements in open-source initiatives are changing this conventional approach. The industry is shifting from simply adopting OSS to actively participating in and collaborating on joint open-source projects. There is an increasing emphasis on developing OSS processes that comply with functional safety standards, such as ISO 26262. This evolution will allow organizations to confidently explore the use of open-source technologies in safety-critical areas like ADAS and autonomous vehicles. The table below outlines the primary use cases for OSS in the automotive sector today.
How Consumers Feel About Autonomous Vehicles
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