www.auto-innovations.net
11
'26
Written on Modified on
Centralized vehicle computing platforms for software-defined automotive digital infrastructure
Schaeffler AG and ThunderSoft form a strategic partnership to develop centralized, scalable computing systems for future E/E vehicle architectures.
www.schaeffler.com
Schaeffler AG and ThunderSoft have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly develop and market central vehicle computing platforms designed for next-generation vehicle architectures. The collaboration addresses the automotive industry transition from distributed electronic control unit (ECU) architectures to software- and AI-based centralized vehicle systems. This cooperation targets global automotive manufacturers requiring scalable solutions to manage increasing software complexity across powertrain, chassis, and infotainment domains.
Technical Challenge and Complementary Roles
Modern vehicle design requires the consolidation of multiple independent vehicle domains into unified high-performance computing platforms. This architectural shift addresses the physical and logical complexity of traditional E/E systems, which rely on numerous localized ECUs. By transitioning to a centralized processing structure, the partners aim to reduce development outlay, optimize data-centric communication, and lower overall system complexity.
The cooperation combines complementary engineering competencies to deliver fully integrated hardware and software solutions:
- Schaeffler AG provides hardware development, industrialization, and high-volume production expertise for complex electronic systems. Its technical contributions focus on safety-critical driving functions, powertrain systems, chassis solutions, and battery and energy management.
- ThunderSoft supplies expertise in central vehicle software platforms, operating systems, and high-performance computing architectures specifically for infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
System Integration and Technical Performance
The developed computing platforms utilize a shared, flexible hardware basis to bundle functions that were historically separated. By consolidating driver assistance, infotainment, and core driving domains onto a central unit, the architecture improves data transmission speeds and optimizes resource utilization.
The platform design relies on modular software structures and standardized interfaces to allow flexible scaling across different vehicle models. This approach shortens development cycles and lowers manufacturing costs through component consolidation. Furthermore, the underlying software and platform design are engineered to comply with regional regulatory and connectivity standards from the initial phase of development.
Deployment and Regional Implementation
The deployment strategy for these integrated vehicle computer platforms features a phased regional rollout. Initial development and testing focus on the Asia-Pacific and European markets to address localized technical and compliance frameworks. Subsequent phases will expand the deployment to China and North America, ensuring the digital infrastructure meets the specific connected vehicle regulations of each target market.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.schaeffler.co.jp
The developed computing platforms utilize a shared, flexible hardware basis to bundle functions that were historically separated. By consolidating driver assistance, infotainment, and core driving domains onto a central unit, the architecture improves data transmission speeds and optimizes resource utilization.
The platform design relies on modular software structures and standardized interfaces to allow flexible scaling across different vehicle models. This approach shortens development cycles and lowers manufacturing costs through component consolidation. Furthermore, the underlying software and platform design are engineered to comply with regional regulatory and connectivity standards from the initial phase of development.
Deployment and Regional Implementation
The deployment strategy for these integrated vehicle computer platforms features a phased regional rollout. Initial development and testing focus on the Asia-Pacific and European markets to address localized technical and compliance frameworks. Subsequent phases will expand the deployment to China and North America, ensuring the digital infrastructure meets the specific connected vehicle regulations of each target market.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.schaeffler.co.jp
