Connectivity.

Modern vehicles are already heavily networked, whether it’s with their surroundings or other vehicles. Even putting the development of the technical aspects to one side, for the automotive industry a connected car presents the challenge of having to offer new services and business models. Working together with you, we can work on projects in these areas, consciously striving to think outside the box in the field of smart vehicles.

 

Our connectivity services.

A clear focus on connectivity: our specialist fields allow us to examine the interfaces and functionality of technologies such as Car2x, HMI and electronics architecture. We support you in the integration and validation of new functions and technologies in vehicles. In addition, we’re becoming increasingly well acquainted with topics such as big data and cloud computing, thereby driving forward new developments in the field of smart vehicles together with you.

 

Boosting efficiency in HMI validation

Megatrends such as e-mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity are leading to a sharp, disproportionate increase in the variety and complexity of vehicle functions. The important of test automation in functional validation is rising as a result. The flexibility, reliability and speed of automated testing gives us a decisive advantage in development processes; it enables us to validate a component’s quality and level of integration comprehensively, cost-effectively and expeditiously. This means we can oversee the validation of functions in modern, networked HMI systems on your behalf using our proprietary intelligent and efficient automated testing systems. Around 600,000 information displays – 17,000 different texts in well over 30 languages – need to be correctly displayed to the driver by the HMI; thanks to out automated target-actual image comparison, we can validate these displays in a minimum of time.
 

Software for evaluating HUD concepts

In-vehicle control and display systems represent an important human-machine interface, particularly in relation to the megatrend of connectivity. In addition, head-up displays (HUDs) are increasingly becoming standard features. They harbour significant potential to improve driving safety and to implement new connectivity solutions. To make that happen, however, the HUD design and layout must be tailored accordingly, which in turn requires extensive UX and usability studies. In the past, it was only possible to experience HUD concepts and conduct user studies once a hardware prototype had been installed in the vehicle. We took hold of this issue and developed a solution. Our ASAP software makes it possible to experience and evaluate HUD concepts with Microsoft HoloLens – and do so from the very start of the concept phase, as no hardware is required. Consequently, we create a markedly faster and more efficient development process. 
 

Mobility services of the future

In our internal Digital Automotive Services (DIAS) development project, we explore new development approaches for future mobility services. Our goal is to develop retrofittable systems combined with intelligent services. Through the DIAS project, we are creating a decision-making basis for algorithms and IT infrastructure in the field of connectivity. We work to deploy artificial intelligence methods, big data approaches and cloud computing technologies in order to develop new mobility services. What’s more, to facilitate the project’s implementation, we have equipped our own vehicle fleet with intelligent sensors and established the requisite IT infrastructure. Using the swarm data recorded from the fleet, we derive insights into and knowledge of potentially useful applications for algorithms in the field of machine learning and object recognition. In addition, our specialists can also use this data to evaluate big data technologies and analyse their potential for use in your projects.
 

Paving the way for connectivity: DReAMIN

The Ingolstadt region features all manner of traffic situations, such as complex crossing systems, autobahn connections and shift operation in a small area – making it the perfect playground for the development of new connected car mobility services. We are part of the DreAMIN (Digital Region Application Model Ingolstadt) project operated by the VI Forum Ingolstadt, which seeks to create virtual, computer-based urban and regional models. Using topographical, 3D geometric, functional and sensor-based data, we can generate an environmental model. It is hoped that, in addition to the applications in the field of connectivity, this model will offer individual people, companies and authorities a data pool for future developments.
 

Cooperation in the field of connectivity: ASAP parking spaces become testing grounds

As digitalisation increases, so too does the demand for innovative mobility concepts. In a pilot project conducted in cooperation with a start-up called S O NAH, our ASAP specialists gained new insights and experience in relation to parking and parking efficiency. Together with S O NAH, we developed an application to show ASAP employees the locations of all free parking spaces at our Gaimersheim location. By deploying algorithms connected to camera systems, the application tracks parking spaces and checks their availability.     

Mobility of the future.

Sustainable drivetrain concepts and driving without a driver – together, we can move forward with the mobility of the future. From systems analysis and component development through to verification and validation, our e-mobility service portfolio spans the entire development process. In relation to autonomous driving, our ASAP specialists support you in the development of self-driving cars capable of reacting independently to different traffic situations. Find out more about our projects and services.