Stellantis and dSPACE Unveil Partnership to Boost Vehicle Development
In a significant move towards innovation, Stellantis has partnered with dSPACE to enhance the cloud-based development of vehicles. This collaboration aims to leverage dSPACE's advanced simulation platform, allowing Stellantis to implement faster and more efficient software innovations that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Accelerating Innovation through Cloud Technologies
The newly formed partnership is anticipated to transform vehicle development by enabling Stellantis engineers to initiate software testing long before physical prototypes are available. By integrating dSPACE's VEOS platform for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing into the Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench (VEW), the collaboration underscores a commitment to cutting-edge technology.
Benefits of the Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench
The Stellantis VEW serves as a vital tool, empowering engineers around the globe to refine and develop software within virtual environments. This approach aids in integrating, testing, and optimizing vehicle features well in advance of hardware availability, thus slashing test and development timelines significantly. The agility provided by the VEW allows for the completion of roughly 80-85% of testing through SIL platforms, employing continuous integration and testing methodologies. This method ensures that new vehicle software can be expedited to the market in less than two years, ultimately enhancing product quality and reducing time-to-market.
AI-Powered Technology Platforms
The collaboration is also pivotal as Stellantis gears up for the introduction of its three AI-enhanced technology platforms—STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and STLA AutoDrive. Expected to debut in select vehicles, these platforms are developed via the VEW and are designed to facilitate the agile delivery of innovative features across Stellantis’ abundant lineup of brands.
Key Statements on the Partnership
Yves Bonnefont, the Chief Software Officer at Stellantis, emphasized the strategic nature of this alliance, stating, "The integration of dSPACE tools into our Virtual Engineering Workbench will allow us to deliver innovative features faster, meeting customer expectations and enhancing their driving experience." This partnership not only aims to meet immediate customer needs but also promotes an ongoing cycle of improvement through over-the-air updates.
Advancements through dSPACE Tools
Carsten Hoff, CEO of dSPACE, highlighted the advantages of this partnership, noting, "The use of our products on the new Stellantis technology platforms enables us to gather direct customer input and feedback. This close collaboration will help us advance our software products and provide the most sophisticated and efficient tool chain for the validation of software-defined vehicles, enabling early integration and seamless combination of SIL and HIL test methods." This commitment to using advanced testing solutions will help Stellantis adapt quickly to customer feedback.
The Future of Vehicle Development
The Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench also introduces a pioneering Virtual Cockpit, which can enhance the development process by up to 100 times compared to traditional methods. With over 3,800 unique daily users currently utilizing this system, Stellantis affirms its dedication to sustainability, innovation, and delivering the highest quality experiences to its customers.
Conclusion
As Stellantis and dSPACE progress with their partnership, they anticipate that the eventual implementation of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will lead to more formalized strategies that will further innovate vehicle development, enable quicker feature releases, and significantly improve overall vehicle quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Stellantis' partnership with dSPACE?
The partnership aims to accelerate cloud-based vehicle development, utilizing dSPACE’s simulation platform to enhance software innovations and streamline testing processes.
How does the Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench improve software development?
The VEW allows engineers to test and develop software virtually, enabling earlier integration and testing, which can speed up the development cycle significantly.
What technology platforms are involved in this collaboration?
The collaboration supports Stellantis' three AI-powered platforms: STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and STLA AutoDrive, enhancing feature delivery across its brands.
How much testing is conducted on the Software-in-the-Loop platforms?
Approximately 80-85% of software testing is done using SIL platforms, boosting efficiency and reducing the time needed to bring new software to market.
What is the significance of the MOU between Stellantis and dSPACE?
The MOU marks the beginning of a collaboration that could lead to a formal agreement, enhancing Stellantis's vehicle development capabilities through innovative simulation tools.
