Predicted to bring the next evolution in the automotive industry, Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) are those vehicles that manages its operations, adds functionality, and enables new features primarily or entirely through software.
Renowned market leader with its unique technology, Tata Technologies has been in the forefront of software advancements for decades catering to various sectors including the prominent automotive sector.
Talking briefly with Aishwarya about Tata Technologies latest collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad, Naveen Kalappa, Global Practice Head – Embedded and Electronics at Tata Technologies has expressed his views on the significance of SDVs in automotive sector. Edited excerpts below.
Integration of software in vehicles is now becoming an integral part of auto OEMs, How does Tata Technologies aim to innovate in this SDV space?
The Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) landscape is rapidly evolving. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are making substantial investments in software teams and technology to transform SDVs from concept to reality. SDV entails the integration of diverse software stacks, technologies, and hardware platforms, aiming to provide drivers and users with an enhanced and immersive user experience.
At Tata Technologies, we have forged strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor vendors, OS and Hypervisor providers, along with Middleware providers. These collaborations enable us to support our customers in developing superior SDV solutions in a more efficient manner.
Within Tata Technologies, we have developed demonstrations and Proof of Concepts that highlight various use cases within the SDV domain. These demonstrations showcase the seamless integration of different software stacks, providing our customers with tangible examples of their potential benefits and applications.
Overall, Tata Technologies is committed to driving innovation in the SDV space by leveraging our partnerships and expertise to deliver advanced and efficient solutions to our customers.
The key strategic focus of Tata Technologies as it announces collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad?
Tata Technologies (TTL) and IIT Hyderabad have officially announced a strategic collaboration in the fields of SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) and Autonomous Driving. This partnership is a testament to the cutting-edge expertise of the TIHAN (Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation) Lab at IIT Hyderabad, which is renowned for its advanced research in autonomous vehicle technology. Leveraging TTL’s extensive experience in the automotive industry and its successful collaborations with various use cases and OEMs, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by translating TIHAN’s ground-breaking research into practical applications.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to develop cost-effective solutions in the domains of SDV and autonomous driving. This will be achieved by harnessing the power of next-generation chipsets, operating systems (OSes), and software stacks provided by industry leaders. By utilizing these advanced technologies, the collaboration aims to create platforms and Proofs of Concept (POC) that not only streamline product development timelines but also enable the upskilling and hands-on training of Tata Technologies engineers at the TIHAN facility. This emphasis on new technology areas ensures that engineers stay at the forefront of innovation, enabling them to make significant contributions to the field.
In summary, this strategic collaboration between Tata Technologies and IIT Hyderabad is set to revolutionize the SDV and autonomous driving sectors. By combining the research capabilities of TIHAN with TTL’s automotive expertise, the partnership aims to deliver groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of autonomous transportation.
How does TATA Technologies aim to create a talent pool to innovate newer technologies in the auto industry?
Given the transformation in the automotive industry, Tata Technologies is fully prepared to meet the requirements for the next generation of skill sets. In addition to traditional mechanical design and analysis, there is a strong focus on electronics and embedded software, which are crucial for the vehicles of the future. To ensure that engineers are equipped with the right skills and are industry-ready for next-generation technologies, Tata Technologies has established an in-house training and re-skilling division called TechVarsity.
TechVarsity offers a range of learning paths for graduate trainees, including continuous upskilling and cross-skilling opportunities. It provides access to e-learning modules for self-upgradation, accreditation support, and open-house workshops on niche technology areas. These courses are designed to re-skill the existing engineering workforce and cater to fresh college engineering graduates.
Overall, Tata Technologies recognizes the importance of staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the automotive industry. Through TechVarsity, the company is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, ensuring that engineers possess the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive sector.
Tata Technologies’ vision is to “Engineering a better world”. The company believes that by providing engineers with the necessary skills and training, it can help to create a more sustainable and efficient automotive industry. TechVarsity is a key part of this vision, and the company is committed to continuing to invest in its development.
It has been seen that not much mechanical change is made in newer 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers, but the integration of software and electronics is attracting the auto industry. Where do you see the trend going further?
The trend and innovation in the automotive industry will predominantly occur through software advancements. Vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are strategizing the establishment of their own software App Stores to offer customers a unique and differentiated experience. In order to facilitate this transformation, the vehicle’s electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture has been updated to incorporate High-Performance Computing and cloud connectivity. Software development in the automotive sector has started adopting information technology (IT) development technologies and methodologies.
This trend is expected to continue, resulting in an increased reliance on software for defining various functionalities and features in vehicles. Ensuring safety-criticality, such as Functional Safety and Cybersecurity, will be of utmost importance as the amount of software integrated into vehicles expands. This is crucial in safeguarding the connected and autonomous nature of vehicles, treating them as devices that require stringent safety measures.
Having a major deficit of research and testing facilities in India, is the development of SDVs and ADAS on a mass scale still a pipe dream?
The Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) is heavily reliant on software, and India, being a powerhouse in software and IT, is poised to play a significant role in SDV development. SDV entails the incorporation of mobile and IT technologies and methodologies into the automotive industry. Consequently, India’s software expertise positions it well to contribute to the advancement of SDVs, and the country could potentially emerge as an important market due to the vast array of use cases that SDVs can offer in a nation of our size.
While Indian drivers are likely to embrace SDV-related use cases, the adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) technologies may progress at a slower pace in India. This is due to challenges posed by infrastructure, cultural factors, and issues related to discipline. Nonetheless, India’s active involvement in SDV development and growing market potential underscore its significance in shaping the future of automotive technology.