Automakers are embracing virtual simulations to enhance development efficiency and reduce costs, with the latest innovation being the introduction of a virtual cockpit by Stellantis in collaboration with BlackBerry and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This groundbreaking technology, unveiled at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, is part of Stellantis’ Virtual Engineering Workbench development tool.
The virtual cockpit is powered by BlackBerry’s QNX Hypervisor software, while AWS provides the essential cloud services. This collaboration aims to significantly accelerate development times, with some cases boasting a remarkable reduction from several months to just 24 hours. The technology allows for the recreation of car controls and systems in the cloud, enabling faster feedback loops, quicker delivery of technology, and more responsiveness to customer needs.
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Stellantis Chief Software Officer, Yves Bonnefont, emphasized the benefits of this technology in getting closer to customers’ needs through faster development cycles. The virtual cockpit includes tools for the virtualization of graphics, audio, and inputs for touch screens, mouse, and keyboards. Importantly, the virtual versions of automotive systems behave identically to their real counterparts, streamlining the development process without the need for extensive software modifications.
The use of the cloud-based QNX Hypervisor from BlackBerry enables Stellantis to speed up customer feedback and replicate the user interface of specific vehicle models within its brand portfolio. This allows for real-time adjustments and modifications, contributing to a more agile and responsive development environment.
The collaboration between Stellantis, BlackBerry, and AWS is part of Stellantis’ broader strategy outlined in its Dare Forward 2030 plan. The automaker expects to generate 20 billion euros ($22 billion) in revenue from software and connected car services by 2030. Stellantis is actively developing three software-based technology platforms, namely STLA Brain, STLA AutoDrive, and STLA SmartCockpit.
While specific financial details and the full operational timeline of the simulator were not disclosed, Stellantis has announced that its SmartCockpit, utilizing this innovative technology, will be integrated into millions of vehicles starting this year. This move exemplifies the automotive industry’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for more efficient and customer-centric development processes.
