The automotive industry has witnessed a significant transformation over the years. One of the most significant advancements that has occurred in recent times is vehicle connectivity. This technology has made cars more than just a means of transportation; it has turned them into intelligent, interactive machines.
Wireless communication technologies in automobiles are expanding. Research predicts the global connected car market is projected to grow from $59.70 billion in 2021 to $191.83 billion in 2028 at a CAGR 18.1 per cent. It is further predicted that by 2025, over 400 million connected automobiles will be in use, up from about 237 million in 2021. This growth is mainly driven by increasing demand for safety and convenience features, infotainment, telematics, government regulations, growth of internet of things (IoT), 5G, and the maturity of electric and autonomous vehicles.
Building momentum: Trends and use cases
The advent of new technologies and policies has completely transformed the structure of the automotive sector. This revolution has been brought through digitisation and various technologies that are now being incorporated by the auto industry and these trends are further going to change for the better. These forces are now resulting in four disruptive technology-driven trends in the automotive industry namely, autonomous mobility, connected technologies, shared mobility, and the rise of electric mobility.
Here are some of the significant trends and use cases in connected vehicles:
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication allows vehicles to communicate with each other and with infrastructure. It can enable new safety features and streamline traffic flow, ultimately leading to a more efficient and safer driving experience. V2X can help drivers to avoid potential accidents, reduce traffic congestion, and further enable autonomous driving.
Electric and autonomous vehicles
Connected technology is a key enabler of electric and autonomous vehicles. It allows unmanned, self-driven vehicles to communicate with infrastructure and other vehicles on the road, find the nearest charging station in real-time, monitor charge demand, and offer real-time location sharing/tracking, emergency SOS calls in case of an accident, and roadside assistance. With the help of connected technology, electric and autonomous vehicles can operate more efficiently and safely, providing a better driving experience.
5G Connectivity
With 5G networks, connected vehicles can benefit from faster and more reliable data connections, enabling new applications and services. For instance, 5G technology can enable real-time mapping and geolocation services, high-definition video streaming, better security, and over-the-air (OTA) update features.
In-vehicle infotainment
Connected vehicles are increasingly offering advanced infotainment systems that can connect to smartphones and offer a host of pre-loaded entertainment services or apps. Drivers and passengers can access music, videos, podcasts, and other forms of entertainment through their car’s infotainment system. This technology can also enable hands-free calling, messaging, and voice-controlled navigation, making it easier for drivers to stay connected while on the road.
Predictive maintenance
Connected vehicles can send data about their performance and maintenance needs to automakers and service providers, enabling them to offer predictive maintenance services. By analysing this data, service providers can predict when a vehicle might need maintenance or repair, allowing them to predict the issues before it becomes a catastrophe. This can help drivers avoid expensive repairs and maintain their vehicle health.
Remote fleet management/tracking and geofencing
Connected vehicles can be tracked and managed remotely, providing fleet operators with real-time information on their vehicles’ locations, fuel levels, and maintenance needs. This technology can help fleet operators optimise their operations, reduce costs, and improve safety. Additionally, geofencing technology can enable fleet managers to create virtual boundaries around specific locations, alerting them when a vehicle enters or leaves a designated area.
Engineering challenges
Connected vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and present exciting opportunities to improve the safety, convenience, and efficiency of transportation. However, as with any new technology, connected vehicles also pose engineering challenges that must be overcome to ensure their reliability, safety, and security.
Connected vehicles rely on critical information in terms of real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and weather information, as well as vehicle performance and maintenance data. Cybersecurity threats, including hacking and malware, can compromise the safety and security of connected vehicles, making it essential to ensure that communication systems are secure.
Another challenge facing connected vehicles is ensuring interoperability between different communication systems and protocols. Connected vehicles generate vast amounts of data, including performance and maintenance data, as well as real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and weather information. Managing this data is a significant challenge, requiring robust data management systems that can handle large volumes of data.
Connected vehicles rely on electronic systems, including sensors and communication systems. However, these systems can be vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI), affecting their performance and reliability.
Role of simulation in connected vehicles
Engineering simulation plays a critical role in the design, development, and testing of connected vehicles. Simulation can help engineers optimise the performance, safety, and security of connected vehicles, ensuring their reliable and efficient operation in real-world situations. The following are some ways that simulation can be used in connected vehicle development:
Sensor simulation: Connected vehicles rely on a range of sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras, to perceive their environment. Simulation helps engineers optimise the sensor placement/integration and configuration for improved performance and safety.
Communication simulation: Simulation can be used to model different communication systems and protocols, helping engineers identify and resolve interoperability issues. The same can be used to model cyber-attacks and test the effectiveness of security measures, helping engineers improve the security of connected vehicles.
Virtual prototyping and simulation: Virtual prototyping and simulation can help reduce the development cycle and cost of testing, thereby enabling innovations and redesigns of RF communication technology. Enable RF engineers to achieve engineering objectives pertaining to 5G requirements by helping accurately model the real-world performance of antennas, optimising power, and cost of mixed-signal system-on-chips (SoC) and application processors.
Simulation-based digital twin: Simulation models and real-time sensor information running in the cloud or on the edge will give OEMs a very accurate insight into what’s happening inside the vehicle, for example, a digital mock-up of the battery.
HPC-enabled simulation: High-performance computing (HPC)-enabled simulation is essential for the development and validation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). HPC simulations can help engineers test AV/ADAS algorithms in a virtual environment, ensuring their safety and reliability.
HPC simulations can also be used to test the safety and reliability of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems.
Artificial intelligence – The brain behind the tech
Design optimization is a critical aspect of connected vehicle development, and simulation plays a significant role in optimising designs. Simulation solutions can be used to generate large amounts of data on the performance of different designs, enabling engineers to train AI systems to find optimal designs. This process involves training the AI system to analyse simulation data, identify patterns, and recommend design changes that can improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.
Simulation-based design optimization can help engineers evaluate and compare different design concepts, identify design flaws and weaknesses, and optimise vehicle designs for improved performance, safety, and efficiency. This can include optimising the placement and configuration of sensors, the design of control systems, and the selection of materials and components for optimal performance and cost.
Design optimization can also help reduce the time and cost of vehicle development, enabling manufacturers to reduce their time-to-market. By leveraging the power of simulation and AI, engineers can design and optimise connected vehicles that meet the needs of modern consumers while delivering reliable and safe performance on the road.