The foundation for this next evolution will be built on edge computing, an emerging model that places computing power at or near where the data originates.
CEO of ZEDEDA, an edge computing company
At this year’s New York International Auto Show, in-car apps and entertainment, efficient charging stations and over-the-air updates grabbed as much attention as oversize tires and third-row seats. The show sent a clear signal that the industry is committed to an electrified, software-defined future.
The software experience will become automotive’s great leveling force between companies that are still new to making cars but are good at software (Tesla) and companies that have made great cars for years (BMW) but are new to building software. If established carmakers begin to make strides — whether through internal efforts or partnerships — on the software architecture side, they can quickly close the gap as they roll out an improved infrastructure to millions of vehicles.
The foundation for this next evolution will be built on edge computing, an emerging model that places computing power at or near where the data originates. In contrast to centralized processing, where data is sent to a data center or to the cloud for processing, edge computing processes and analyzes data closer to where it’s being generated for greater speed and volume. For the automotive industry, that happens both in the vehicle and through rapidly expanding 5G mobile networks. Some examples are commonly thought of, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving, but edge computing is also necessary to maintain all the software and electric control units within the vehicle in real time. This involves activities such as analyzing logs, error messages and the state of the complex software stack within the vehicle. Traditional car software or over-the-air concepts no longer work within this software-defined environment.
Some estimates say edge computing in the automotive market is expected to grow 27.5 percent per year. And while it’s not uncommon to think that a software-defined future for the automotive industry is mainly related to the software within vehicles, it is actually broader than that. Some of the changes will be driven by regulations, while others will create new business models, but every step of the automotive supply chain, from manufacturing to dealerships to service and maintenance, stands to be transformed.
Dealer infrastructure: Secure updates
The software-driven future also means that the need for fast, secure software deployments becomes more important. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe already has cybersecurity regulations on software delivery within new cars, ensuring they’re designed with security in mind from the beginning and will remain able to withstand cyberattacks.
Software packages for vehicles continue to grow to the point that they can push the limits of what’s possible at many service centers. Edge computing eases that burden, speeds up the process and adds a new layer of security.
Subscription to the future
Perhaps the most visible application of edge computing in automotive is its ability to power information and entertainment applications. From the practical (real-time road conditions and driver assistance) to the enjoyable (movies and games for passengers), the edge infrastructure will make that possible. These services also offer a potential gold mine of new revenue for carmakers through subscriptions to additional features.
The ideal in-vehicle experience, however, goes beyond what’s possible over cellular networks and points more toward ubiquitous and reliable 5G coverage enabled by edge infrastructure. The increased bandwidth and reduced latency lead to better overall coverage.
The new wave of EVs will create a boom in charging stations, whether at the dealership or service center or out on the roads. Edge servers will enable a secure, reliable method for managing the various charging, service and billing applications connected to these stations.
Most connected vehicles use cellular networks for connectivity, but the amount of streaming data strains bandwidth and drives up costs. By eliminating the need for a centralized data-processing center, edge computing promotes real-time analytics. The distributed edge even extends to the manufacturing plants, where speed and efficiency are at a premium.
Standardization: The way forward
As with most software races, there’s the idea that one company will be the winner. But for the automotive industry, no one wants to be locked into proprietary software. That’s why standardized open-source architecture — a solution that works with every manufacturer and every supplier — provides the most logical path forward.
Tomorrow’s cars won’t look like today’s cars, and it’s an exciting time for automakers going through a digital transformation and equally exciting for edge computing companies to be at the forefront of the change.
