Competences

In a world that is increasingly shaped by connectivity and digitalization, we are at the forefront of technological innovation in the automotive sector. Our comprehensive solutions cover all aspects of modern vehicle technology, from ECU hardware development and “always on” technology to the eCall system and data collection management.

We are the enabler of connected mobility, creating the platforms and technologies that make vehicles smarter, safer and more efficient. Our expertise spans the entire end-to-end chain of vehicle development, including the development of embedded systems, the integration of cloud functions and the provision of user-friendly interfaces.

Through our innovative approaches and close collaboration with global partners and regulators, we ensure that our solutions meet the highest standards and shape the mobility of the future.

Reducing complexity

Reducing complexity

In the past, vehicles were equipped with a distributed system consisting of numerous individual control units. This architecture led to increased complexity and higher integration and maintenance costs. Today, we are seeing a significant shift towards centralized control, which allows for a more efficient and simplified system architecture.

ECU hardware development

Our expertise in ECU hardware development includes comprehensive product description and concept development. We provide design, technical assessments and feasibility studies to ensure that every project is built on a solid foundation from the outset. By introducing new architectures, we can reduce the number of ECUs and simplify system integration.

Concept implementation

We combine virtual design (digital twins) with real prototype parts produced both in-house and in specialized model workshops. This innovative approach enables us to develop precise and efficient solutions that meet the requirements of modern vehicle architecture.

Simulations

Our simulation capabilities include

  • Flow simulation
  • Structural FEM simulation
  • Thermal simulation

These simulations are crucial to ensure the performance and reliability of our products and to take full advantage of the new architecture.

Volkswagen's new visual language will be more human and more lively, focusing on customers and their lives.

Customer-centric services

The eCall begins with the initiation of the service in the vehicle and ends with the provision of the necessary assistance and information. The eCall process in detail:

  1. Triggering the eCall in the vehicle: The eCall can be activated by various triggers, such as the button module, the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) or by activating the airbag in the event of an accident.
  2. Communication with device backend: Depending on data protection regulations, the relevant data, such as location and accident information, is sent from the vehicle to the device backend.
  3. Connection of device and service backend: The device backend forwards the data to the service backend to process the request.
  4. Connection of call center and service backend: The call center receives the request and requests the necessary data from the backend to assess the situation.
  5. Contact with emergency services: The call center contacts the relevant emergency services and transmits the necessary information to ensure rapid assistance.
  6. Confirmation via backend to the vehicle: The call center sends a confirmation via the backend to the vehicle that help is on the way.
  7. Voice connection between vehicle and call center: Finally, the vehicle establishes a voice connection to the call center to provide direct assistance and information to the customer until emergency services arrive.
ID. Family: ID. BUZZ, ID. VIZZION, ID. SPACE VIZZION, MEB Plattform, ID.3, ID.4, ID. ROOMZZ

Automotive Edge: The platform for mobile online services

Automotive Edge is our innovative platform that enables mobile online services in the vehicle. It offers a wide range of benefits and functions that ensure seamless and efficient integration of modern technologies.

Isolated and controlled environment with independent release tests

Our platform offers an isolated and controlled environment in which independent release tests can be carried out. This ensures that all features are thoroughly tested and validated before they go into production.

Collaborative development of functions around the world

Automotive Edge enables the joint development of functions on a global level, regardless of the programming language used. This promotes collaboration and innovation in international teams and ensures that the best solutions are implemented worldwide.

OSS-based solution with a strong developer community

Our platform is based on open source software (OSS) and benefits from a strong developer community. This community continuously contributes to the improvement and further development of the platform, which is already being used successfully in production vehicles.

Use of containers for flexible performance optimization

Automotive Edge supports the use of containers on various ECUs and backends. This containerization enables flexible performance optimization and ensures that the platform can be adapted to different hardware and software requirements.

Development and provision of functions after production

With the SUMO (Software Update Management Over-the-Air) process, new features can be developed and deployed post-production without affecting the base software. This enables continuous improvements and updates that always offer users the latest and greatest features.
Data

We Services

Always On: the future of vehicle connectivity

“Always On” technology is revolutionizing the way vehicles interact with the outside world. Through a constant online connection, the vehicle becomes an integral part of the digital ecosystem. Three key aspects of this technology are online connectivity, app integration and communication with the outside world.

Connection via the connectivity unit

The basis of the “Always On” technology is the connectivity unit, which enables a seamless connection to the outside world. This unit is the heart of connectivity and ensures that the vehicle is always online.

Development of connectivity hardware and software

Our development of connectivity hardware and software can be divided into several key areas:

In-house hardware prototyping

We take on the complete in-house development from circuit diagram to assembly. This also includes in-house software development for the test blade to ensure that all components work together optimally.

Connectivity platform development

Our connectivity platform development includes software lifecycle management as well as variant management and branching. These processes are crucial to efficiently manage and update the different software versions and variants.

Software stack

The software stack for “Always On” technology consists of several layers:

  • Modem: Enables the basic connection to the outside world.
  • Basic software: Provides the basic functions and interfaces.
  • Middleware: Mediates between the basic software and the online services.
  • Online services: Provide a variety of services that enhance the driving experience.
  • Cybersecurity: Protects the system from external threats.

Additional services

In addition to basic connectivity, “Always On” technology offers a range of additional services:

  • Call Services: Enable voice and emergency call services.
  • Audio: Provides high-quality audio streaming services.
  • Update: Enables over-the-air updates for software and firmware.
  • Diagnostics: Supports remote diagnostics and maintenance of the vehicle.
  • Bluetooth: Connects the vehicle to external devices.
  • V2X: Enables communication between vehicles and the infrastructure.
Volkswagen Showcar ID. CROZZ

eCall: Software that saves lives

The eCall system is a life-saving technology that makes an emergency call in the event of an accident and transmits important information to the emergency services. These are the central components of the eCall system in the vehicle:

  • Emergency call loudspeaker: enables direct communication between the occupants and the emergency services.
  • Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP): Legally required emergency call center that receives and coordinates emergency calls.
  • Emergency Control Unit: Controls the eCall system and ensures that the emergency call is made correctly.
  • Airbag unit: Detects an accident and triggers the emergency call when the airbags are activated.
  • NAV + mobile antenna: Combined antenna for GPS/GALILEO/GLONASS for location determination and GSM/UMTS/LTE for mobile phone connection.
  • Microphone: Captures the voices of the occupants to enable direct communication with the emergency services.
  • Button module: Manual triggering of the emergency call by the occupants.
  • 2nd LTE antenna: Additional antenna to ensure a stable mobile phone connection

Next Generation eCall

We are currently working intensively on the Next Generation eCall, which will be launched on 01.01.2027. This new generation of the eCall system brings with it numerous changes and challenges:

  • Re-homologation: many components in platforms and vehicles will have to be re-homologated as a result of the NG-eCall regulation.
  • Current requirements: Currently, all vehicle types must be equipped with circuit-switched eCall systems (2G, 3G).
  • New EC regulation: From 2027, there will be a switch to the bundled NG eCall system based on 4G and 5G.

Challenges and cooperation

The implementation of the new regulation poses considerable challenges for the automotive industry, particularly with regard to older vehicles. Intensive efforts are required from the industry, politicians and regulators to overcome these challenges and realize the benefits of next generation eCall. These efforts are being coordinated by trade associations such as ACEA, VDA and 5GAA.

With a new works agreement, Volkswagen is laying the foundations for collaboration after coronavirus – in the office and when working from home.

We are the enabler of connected mobility

In an increasingly connected world, we are the key to the mobility of the future. Our solutions meet the diverse requirements of our customers and enable the seamless integration of modern technologies into the vehicle. Key customer requirements include:

  • Connected devices: Integration and networking of devices in the vehicle.
  • Connected Smart Home: Connecting the vehicle with the user's smart home.
  • Personal assistant: Provision of an intelligent assistant for the driver.
  • In-car office: Enabling a mobile office in the vehicle.
  • On-board streaming: Access to streaming services directly in the vehicle.
  • Park & Charge: Intelligent parking and charging solutions for electric vehicles.
  • Personalization & Identification: Adaptation of the vehicle to the individual needs of the user.
  • Safety: Ensuring the highest safety standards.
  • ADAS: Ubiquitous connectivity as a trailblazer for future ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions.

These requirements are met in various regulatory frameworks, including

  • USA: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
  • EU: Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
  • China: GB/T standards
  • International: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)

Providing comprehensive wireless communication solutions

We provide an interface for comprehensive wireless communications knowledge and ensure that our solutions meet the highest standards. Our services include:

  • Ensuring radio compliance: ensuring that all wireless communication solutions meet regulatory requirements.
  • Managing in-vehicle mobile network access: Managing and optimizing in-vehicle mobile network access.
  • Paving the way for future wireless solutions: Developing and implementing innovative wireless technologies that enable the mobility of the future.
Transformation des Volkswagen Entwicklungsprozesses.

Data Collection Management

We are the home of vehicle data and create the platform that makes this data available. Our solutions enable vehicle data to be efficiently collected, processed and used for a wide range of applications.

Our platform

We develop the Data Collector for the front end of the Volkswagen Group. Our data is used for numerous use cases, including

  • Speed limiters: optimizing vehicle speed based on real-time data.
  • Insurance claims: Providing relevant data for the processing of insurance claims.
  • Predictive maintenance: using data to predict and avoid maintenance issues.
  • Data monetization: Tapping into new revenue streams through the monetization of vehicle data.
  • EU 7: Supporting compliance with EU 7 emissions regulations.
  • Battery passport: Providing data on the traceability and sustainability of vehicle batteries.
  • Saver driving via swarm data: Improving vehicle safety through the use of swarm data.
  • 3rd party use cases: Supporting 3rd party applications and services.
  • Regulatory data upload: Ensure regulatory compliance by uploading relevant data.
  • Security & Intrusion Detection: Protecting vehicle data through advanced security and intrusion detection mechanisms.
  • Data-driven development & Big Loop: Use of data for continuous improvement and development of new functions.

Development along the entire E2E chain

Our development processes cover the entire end-to-end chain:

  • Embedded development on vehicle ECUs: development and integration of software directly on vehicle ECUs.
  • SW release for vehicle integration: Ensuring software release and integration into the vehicle architecture.
  • Cloud functions in Dev-Ops mode: Development and operation of cloud-based functions in Dev-Ops mode.
  • UI development: Design and development of user-friendly interfaces.

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