In the last 2 decades, the automotive industry has witnessed huge changes. Of course, this sphere has always been one of the most rapidly evolving and growing ones. But as global digitalization progressed, so did the car manufacturing technologies and automotive software development. Just look at the modern cars, and you’ll realize that soon we won’t be surprised by auto-piloted vehicles everywhere.
One of the most significant and noticeable aspects that distinguish modern cars even from their 10-year-old predecessors is the number of software-controlled options. For example, we all know that different Tesla models have huge displays and infotainment systems to control most of the functions. Even climate control is now addressed through the touchscreen.
Role of Software in Modern Cars
Nowadays, we’re seeing even more manufacturers opt for huge screens everywhere instead of analog gauges and buttons. Take a look at Mercedes ultra-luxury models like the new S-Class W223, where usual buttons are a rare sight. Even affordable models like Toyota Prius and Ford Fiesta are getting great infotainment systems nowadays.
Don’t get it wrong, though. We’re not surprised by the fact that touch screen infotainment systems are popular. It’s just that their role in-car control is growing at a very fast pace, and most manufacturers are trying to implement programs that are responsible for as many processes as possible.
That means not only huge quality-of-life improvements for the drivers but also that the manufacturers need to come up with new innovative solutions to compete with each other. Today, one of the best ways to get quality apps is to turn to automotive software development companies like Develux. Such specialists can satisfy any of your programming needs, be it developing an OS for the infotainment system, or helping you with an already existing project.
Why should you trust some third-party automotive software development company instead of creating your own department for this matter? Well, first of all, it’s much more efficient to outsource this process. But what’s much more important is the quality of the end product.
Now, you may think, “How could you mess up in creating programs for car infotainment systems?” Well, it’s quite easy, to be honest. Take a look at projects like Ford Sync, for example, or the Lexus RX’s system. And if you want to see something really comical, look up what software was used by Aston Martin in the early 2010s. Here’s a little spoiler — those ultra-luxury sports coupes and sedans used Garmin navigation programs without any supplementary features.
Software Research and Development in Car Industry
So, to fight all the clucky and impossible-to-use infotainment systems, you need a good R&D department. What is it, and how can it help? Well, Research and Development teams are a common thing in almost any business. They’re the specialists responsible for analyzing the current situation and coming up with intelligent solutions for any issues. Also, they’re the driving force behind most of the innovations in all spheres.
In fact, the improvements in software development in the automotive industry are a result of good R&D. Thanks to these departments, car manufacturers realized that drivers need simple and accessible features. Actually, the inability to make basic functions easy to access is one of the most common mistakes in the modern car industry.
The good news is, we’re seeing less and less horrible program solutions in modern cars. And automotive software companies played a huge role in it. Because they, in combination with expert R&D teams, managed to prove the importance of accessibility in infotainment systems.
However, the touchscreens themselves aren’t the only place you can encounter programs inside a car. In fact, even models from 20 years ago relied on automotive expert software a lot. If you’re acquainted with the term ECU, then you already know how important it is. If not, take a look at the list of things controlled by such units:
- Ignition timings
- Fuel to air ratio
- RPM control
Right, there are many points in this list, but these 3 factors are one the most important ones in the whole car. But the ECU isn’t the only thing that uses code to control mechanisms, as there are some other electronic modules like:
- Powertrain Control Module
- Body Control Module
- Transmission Control Module
- ABS Control Module
- HVAC Module
- Airbag Control Module
As you can see, almost everything in modern automobiles is controlled by electronics in some way or another. And to make sure that every single detail works as intended, manufacturers need to turn to an automotive software development company for help. It’s more rational and efficient to trust coding to the specialists of this craft, while the huge corporations can focus on improving the quality of vehicle production.
New Automotive Solutions
Now, let’s take a look at the results of the collaborations between professional R&D teams and automotive software companies.
Augmented Reality
AR isn’t considered that big of a marvel nowadays. But while it’s still long from affecting our daily lives, the automotive industry is already using augmented reality to assist drivers. For example, Mercedes, Kia, and Audi are implementing systems that project information on the windshield.
It doesn’t mean that the whole space on the glass is taken up by some numbers and texts. Quite the opposite, actually. Manufacturers know that drivers need as much visibility as possible and made AR take up a dozen of square centimeters right above the main gauges.
Information like speed, battery charge (in hybrid or electric vehicles), light indicators, and such is projected onto that little space. With the help of this technology, the driver can see all the important information without turning their eyesight away from the road.
Driver Assist
Driver-assist usually means systems like ABS or traction control. However, right now, we’re talking about direct driver-assist like intelligent lane-switching. One of the key factors of safe driving is always keeping your lane and knowing how and when to switch it.
In combination with windshield-projected systems, lane recognition software is one of the few practical innovations in this sphere. It automatically detects the lanes, other cars, and objects and provides drivers with pre-calculated predictions and tips on how to move safely.
However, AR isn’t the only thing that this system is collaborating with, as it highly depends on rear and front view cameras to gather information. This helps computers create a 360 view of everything around the car and notify the driver when something dangerous is going around.
Moreover, it can automatically react in the blink of an eye, which could save the precious lives of pedestrians or prevent collisions with other vehicles. Still, most of such systems are still tested by the manufacturers with the use of automotive software development tools. That means we’ll have to wait at least a few years before we will see these new driver-assist functions.
Final Words
The role of cars in the modern world cannot be underestimated. For some people, they are means of transportation, while others make a living with the help of automobiles. But no matter how you use your vehicle, the whole driving experience is defined by the results of car manufacturers and their Research and Development teams. So, let’s hope that these corporations will bring more comfort and safety to the roads by implementing smart and helpful software solutions.
Also read our blog about advantages of custom software development
