The recently concluded Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Conference 2024, organised by SAE India - Bengaluru Section, served as a pivotal forum for stakeholders to shape the future of software-centric automobiles. Visionaries from industry giants underscored the burgeoning importance of collaborative ecosystems, cybersecurity, and technological advancements as the world transitions towards SDVs.
Setting The Stage
In his keynote address, Parag Ashok Inamdar, Vice President and Head of Software Systems CoC at TVS Motor Company, stressed the critical need for a collaborative platform to enable SDV innovation. Acknowledging the growing significance of software in two-wheeler and four-wheeler domains, he highlighted the parallel rise in cybersecurity demands. Inamdar also pointed out India’s strategic position in offering advanced software solutions, not only for SDVs but also for conventional vehicles, setting the stage for global leadership.
Girish Ramaswamy, Engineering Head at Schaeffler and Chairman of SAEIBS, delivered the inaugural address, commending the SDV initiative. He emphasised the numerous advantages of joining SAE, highlighting the invaluable opportunities for knowledge enhancement, staying abreast of cutting-edge technological advancements, and fostering meaningful professional networks within the industry.
Pradeep Chandrasekaran of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd, Chairman of the Organising Committee, expanded on the conference’s theme, “Enabling the India SDV Journey,” by outlining four core pillars: Strategic and Technical Vision, SDV Architecture Development, Cybersecurity and Functional Safety, and the integration of Generative AI, ADAS, and hardware.
Collaborative Ecosystem: The Heart Of SDVs
Panel discussions illuminated diverse aspects of the SDV ecosystem. Moderated by Vijayalayan from MathWorks, the session on ‘Collaborative Strategies in the SDV Ecosystem’ was participated by Basagouda Patil, Product Owner - On Board Software, JLR, Brahmanand Patil, President & Managing Director, Vector Informatik India and Vinayak Nagaraja, Head of Development Center - Japan, Korea, and India, Segment ADAS, Autonomous Mobility, Continental. The panel delved into challenges such as customer adoption, legal frameworks, cybersecurity, and scalability of E/E and software architecture. The role of cloud services as a cornerstone for SDVs was particularly emphasised.
The second panel, ‘Connected Car: Technological and Business Implications of SDVs,’ was moderated by Bhanu Prakash, Head of Product Line, Continental, with insights from Sundar Ganapathi, Chief Technology Officer – Automotive, Tata Elxsi, Sitanshu Das, Strategy & Business Development – Automotive, Amazon Web Services and Rajaram B S, Product Manager & Senior Expert System Design Engineer, Volvo Group. The discussions revolved around data privacy, safety measures, and the complexities of cross-domain E/E architectures for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and other functionalities. Panelists also examined innovative testing methodologies to overcome the limitations of traditional validation processes.
Fireside Chat
An engaging session featured a Fireside Chat with Deepak Kashyap from NXP, hosted by Vasudeva Upadhyaya of Crevavi Engineering. Kashyap underscored the growing need for close collaboration among OEMs, silicon vendors, and suppliers to navigate the increasing complexity of modern automotive systems. He highlighted that System-on-Chip (SoC) technology has evolved beyond being merely smart; it is now fully connected, autonomous, and seamlessly integrated with the surrounding ecosystem.
Presentations
Industry experts presented a wealth of knowledge on cutting-edge SDV topics. Karthiga Gomathinayagam of Mercedes-Benz R&D underscored the role of DevOps and DORA metrics in enhancing software delivery efficiency. She spotlighted the growing relevance of MLOps and DevSecOps for secure, reliable development workflows.
Priyamvada Vembar from Bosch Global Software emphasised the need for proactive cybersecurity strategies, focusing on over-the-air updates, AI monitoring, and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, secure connected vehicles.
Mahantesh Kothiwale of Samsung R&D highlighted the transformative impact of 5G and 6G technologies on SDVs, presenting use cases like remote driving and smart intersections, while envisioning future advancements such as immersive AR navigation and digital twins.
Shwetha Bhadravathi Patil from MathWorks explored the application of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) in developing modular, scalable SDV software. She demonstrated how model-based development and virtualisation accelerate defect detection and streamline workflows.
Karthick Gururaj of Vayavya Labs showcased Virtual Electronic Control Units (VECUs) as game-changers in SDV deployment. He illustrated how VECUs enable rapid prototyping and hardware-independent development, enhancing integration and reducing costs.
Rakesh Bidre, Delivery Head of Virtual Product and Manufacturing Engineering at TCS, gave an insightful summary of the day's key learnings. He emphasised the importance of adopting an inside-out approach to implementing various facets of SDVs, keeping the customer at the core of every initiative. Bidre further highlighted the concept of customer-defined factories, underscoring the need for manufacturing ecosystems that are tailored to meet specific customer needs and expectations.
Charting The Future
The SDV Conference 2024 captured the dynamism of India’s journey toward becoming a global SDV powerhouse. With its focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and collaborative strategies, the event not only highlighted challenges but also presented a roadmap for turning them into opportunities. By bridging the gaps between automakers, technology providers, and regulatory frameworks, India stands poised to lead the SDV revolution, driving progress in connectivity, safety, and sustainability.
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