Connected Car News: HERE, Green Hills Software, Helbiz, DENSO, Dellfer, EverFocus, KPIT & ZF

In connected car news are HERE, Green Hills Software, Helbiz, DENSO, Dellfer, EverFocus, KPIT and ZF.

HERE for Connected Safety

HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, announced that Autoliv, the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, is using HERE Speed Limits, Fleet Telematics and Weather APIs (application programming interfaces) for its Connected Safety Services.

Autoliv has pioneered automotive safety since 1953. The company is now developing Connected Safety Services, which aim to tackle another crucial factor for road fatalities: driving behavior.

With Autoliv Driver Safety Score software, real-time data from the driver’s smart phone is used to analyze driving styles and recommend improvements in four key areas: speed, focus, smoothness and turns. Autoliv Driver Safety Score software can be used by fleet managers and insurance companies to offer lower premiums through reductions in risky driving behavior.

HERE map data and location services help add context – weather, road regulations, traffic congestion – to the information collected from phone and vehicle sensors, making Autoliv’s recommendations comprehensive and truly personal. Autoliv is integrating HERE map data and services, with the ability to include further attributes in its analysis such as road curve radius, slope, height, traffic signage, lane count, physical dividers and road roughness.

“The Safety Score monitors drivers’ real-time behavior, compares them against algorithms based on known causes of accidents, and provides the user with a personalized safe driver score. You can then review your data and learn ways to raise your score, change your habits and become a safer driver. HERE Speed Limits, Fleet Telematics and Weather APIs provide us with the context we need to assess the behavior of a driver,” said Christoffer Malm, Director of Digital and Mobility at Autoliv. 

“We are proud to contribute to Autoliv’s vision of saving more lives. Our data and services have been an integral part of the automotive industry for the past decades, and we are happy to see that they can also be of use to insurance companies and fleet managers and help make mobility safer,” said Gino Ferru, General Manager and Senior Vice President at

Wilson Electronics weBoost is a Winner

Wilson Electronics, the industry leader in cellular signal booster technology, today announced that the weBoost Drive Reach OTR has been selected as the winner of the Connected Car Innovation of the Year for the 2021 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. This innovative in-vehicle cell signal booster for semi-trucks and overlanders has been named a winner among Aeva, Carro, Ford Motor Co, Infineon Technologies, Mercedes-Benz, TuSimple, and an impressive list of other leading companies and startups in the AutoTech industry.

Green Hills Software, the worldwide leader in embedded safety and security, today announced its working prototypes for the groundbreaking Arm® Cortex®-A78AE core, establishing a clear path for early adopters of the core for use in high-performance critical electronic systems. Leading the Green Hills offering is the INTEGRITY® real-time operating system (RTOS) and C/C++ development tools that provide the certified safe and secure software foundation for SoC manufacturers and end-customers to unleash the power of the revolutionary Cortex-A78AE core, which is designed for complex and mission-critical functions in automated driving and critical industrial systems.

New ARM SoCs

The amount of software controlling critical systems is rising – from cars to utility grids to aircraft – and is being consolidated from smaller processors onto more centralized high-performance units. Today, Arm Cortex-A5x and Cortex-A7x-based SoCs with the INTEGRITY RTOS and virtualization are widely deployed in safety and security-critical systems. The next generation of these systems will incorporate the Cortex-A78AE core, and Green Hills is working with Arm and early adopters to best utilize the core’s impressive strengths. This combination supports systems that require even higher performance, more complex software, mixed criticality workloads, including open source software while simultaneously delivering high assurance for safety and security.

INTEGRITY and the Cortex-A78AE form the most powerful and capable combination between Arm and Green Hills to date.

  • The Cortex-A78AE is Arm’s highest performance safety-capable CPU, offering the ability to run different, complex workloads for autonomous applications such as mobile robotics and driverless transportation. The core delivers a 30% performance uplift compared to its predecessor and supports features to achieve the relevant automotive and industrial functional safety standards, ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 for applications up to ASIL D/SIL 3. At the same time, it brings new Armv8-A architectural features focused on safety, security, and reliability including Split-Lock lock step, pointer authentication, enhanced virtualization, System Ready portability and planned software test libraries (STLs).
  • The INTEGRITY trusted software foundation runs and protects millions of today’s critical systems found in cars, aircraft, trains, secure phones, and surgical devices. Its separation kernel technology is certified at the highest levels of safety and security standards including Automotive (ISO 26262 ASIL D), Industrial (IEC 61508 SIL 3), Railway (EN 50128 SIL 4) and airborne systems (DO-178C DAL A). The automotive cybersecurity ISO 21434 is also being adopted. INTEGRITY secure virtualization enables running multiple guest operating systems such as Linux in certified secure partitions. For development, the MULTI® debugger enables unified debugging and analysis across multiple cores on complex Cortex-A78AE-based SoCs and executes programs forward or backward in time.

“The future of autonomous machines requires a high-performance processor and the Arm Cortex-A78AE has been designed from the ground up for handling the most complex safety-critical applications,” said John Heinlein, VP of automotive partnerships, Automotive and IoT Line of Business, Arm. “Arm’s partnership with Green Hills Software to provide early availability to mature base software and development tools accelerates the journey to Arm-based automated driving and critical industrial systems.”

“Green Hills Software’s decades of cross-industry proven safety and security solutions when combined with Arm’s purpose-built high-performance Cortex-A78AE multicore safety SoC, deliver the ability to tame system design complexities possible with this next-generation safety SoC,” said Dan Mender, VP of business development, Green Hills Software. “We are pleased to continue the expansion of our strong strategic relationship with Arm and our support for the broadest range of Arm processors in the industry.

For a closer look at software safety and security for embedded systems on the Cortex-A78AE, attend “Developing and Deploying Cortex-A78AE-based Software in Critical Systems” at Arm DevSummit, presented by Joe Fabbre, Global Technology Director at Green Hills Software.

Availability
Prototypes of Green Hills products including INTEGRITY, MULTI and the Green Hills Probe, are available today on the Arm Neoverse N1 SDP board.

Helbiz Partners with Fantasmo

Helbiz Inc. (NASDAQ: HLBZ), a global leader in micro-mobility and the first in its industry to be publicly listed on Nasdaq, announced a partnership with Fantasmo, a next-generation mapping company, to integrate its hyper-accurate parking technology into Helbiz’s e-scooter app. The integration will first roll out across the company’s fleet in Miami, Florida with plans to expand to other markets as the partnership advances.

Fantasmo’s Camera Positioning Standard (CPS) technology can detect the exact location of e-scooters and validate parking within 8 inches or less with a phone camera alone, resulting in a safer experience for riders, pedestrians and cities. To unlock and park each e-scooter, riders will scan the QR code and surrounding area with their phone camera, which notifies Helbiz of the exact location of the device and whether or not it is parked within city-approved areas. Unlike GPS technology, CPS does not require any infrastructure like satellites, beacons or radios, but rather utilizes data connection and cameras to capture precise mapping and position of each device.

“We are committed to educating our riders with proper e-scooter parking and safety measures and this partnership with Fantasmo takes that commitment a step further,” said Vivian Myrtetus, Head of Partnerships & Policy at Helbiz. “With the integration of Fantasmo’s CPS technology, we can provide riders with the technology needed to use our e-scooters safely and responsibly.”

“We’re excited to be working with Helbiz to rollout our CPS technology to provide a safer e-scooter program by reducing sidewalk clutter and ensuring a more orderly sidewalk for all stakeholders,” added Jameson Detweiler, Co-Founder of Fantasmo. “After spending significant time in Miami, it’s clear the City of Miami and the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) are committed to providing the safest micro-mobility program. Fantasmo is proud to be working alongside Helbiz in the City of Miami.”

DENSO Invests in Delfer

DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, today announced it invested in Dellfer – an automotive and IoT cybersecurity software company – participating in the company’s Series A funding round, which raised a total of $8 million. The investment will help accelerate the development and distribution of Dellfer’s best-in-class cybersecurity solutions for the automotive industry.

DENSO’s investment in Dellfer was made jointly with Option3, a specialist cybersecurity private equity firm. As part of the investment, both companies will jointly participate on Dellfer’s board to provide operational and sales channel support.

According to a recent Market Research Future report, the automotive cybersecurity market is projected to be worth $8.94 billion by 2028.  As the automotive industry and other IoT environments increasingly require cybersecurity solutions to protect potential vulnerabilities, Dellfer can provide the protection and traceability that auto manufacturers need. Moreover, Dellfer’s holistic solution provides high-level visibility and granular, actionable insights to thwart intrusions in automobiles.

“The requirement for cybersecurity solutions for auto manufacturers has never been stronger,” claims Tony Cannestra, DENSO’s Director of Corporate Ventures and Dellfer board member. “We tested a wide array of available software solutions and found Dellfer’s approach to be highly valuable and a good fit for our customer’s needs. This investment reflects our continuing support for their approach and go-to-market strategies.”

DENSO’s decision to invest in Dellfer and its cybersecurity software was guided in part by its concepts of “Green” – achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 – and “Peace of Mind” – creating a safe and seamless world for all. In addition to informing its partnerships, these principles will help DENSO achieve its Long-term Policy 2030, which focuses on enriching society by enhancing mobility and achieving sustainability, happiness and peace of mind for everyone.

“DENSO was an early investor in Dellfer and continues to be a key ingredient in validating our mission and vision of the company,” stated James Blaisdell, co-founder and CEO of Dellfer.

DENSO first invested in Dellfer in 2018 during its seed funding round and the companies signed a joint development agreement in 2019.

Other collaborations DENSO has pursued include:

  • Investing in Seurat Technologies to speed the development and commercialization of additive manufacturing technologies that help optimize workflows;
  • Creating a long-term alliance with aerospace leader Honeywell to develop electric propulsion systems for urban air mobility vehicles;
  • Investing in wireless positioning technology developer Lambda:4, helping strengthen DENSO’s passive digital key;
  • Investing in Ridecell to give fleet operators digital tools that optimize fleet management; and
  • Collaborating with Drishti to advance action-recognition technology, which supports human outputs in manufacturing.

EverFocus AI Box Intro

— EverFocus Electronics Corporation (TWSE: 5484), the leading provider of smart surveillance and transportation solutions, today officially launched the anticipated AI Box product of the year: eIVP-TGU-IV-V0000. It is made of aluminum alloy, has a sturdy shell, and is equipped with the latest Intel Core 11th processor. It can operate under high vibration and high temperature environments, and is suitable for trains, various tracks, and fleet management. In addition, with EverFocus’ IP camera and AI software, it can form a smart car system solution.

Aluminum alloy shell with elegant groove heat conduction design

Being made of aluminum alloy shell with an elegant groove heat conduction design, it is suitable for use in high temperature and strong vibration environments. Additionally, its solid appearance has passed the EN50155 certification required by the railway system, and the organization design has also passed the vibration and shock test of IEC 60068-2-64 and IEC 60068-2-27, which is suitable for trains, various tracks and fleet management and other related fields.

Latest Intel® 11th generation processor, multi-screen output, easily touch down

It is equipped with the latest 11th Gen. Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Celeron® U-series processor, which is one of our fanless industrial grade series. The flexible fanless in-vehicle system has powerful computing capabilities and can support various AI functions. For users who have a strong demand for AI performance, it can also be expanded to enhance AI computing capabilities. It supports 4K high-quality video output and is equipped with two 2.5GbE/1GbE Ethernet ports that improves Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) for real-time data synchronization. This AI computer is especially suitable for AI, 5G, and display functional requirements in various application fields and OBU/RSU application markets such as: transportation, smart cities, production line detection and other related application scenarios. The powerful Intel® 11th generation processors have greatly improved the performance of CPU and GPU, making eIVP-TGU-IV-V0000 suitable for all kinds of application fields that require CPU performance and AI. The aluminum shell design makes it suitable for industrial automation fields. Equipped with 1 set of DDR4 3200 MHz SO-DIMM memory, up to 32GB; two sets of USB3.2 Gen2, two sets of USB 2.0 slots, built-in one set of M.2 B Key 2260 socket, SATA3 (6Gbps); it can also support iAMT and 2.5GbE LAN. In particular, this aluminum AI Box can connect dual DP display ports up to 4K resolution. It can be matched with optional network module 5G/4G/Wi-Fi. In addition to installing 2.5″ SATA SSD/HDD, and providing a set of M.2 interface slots, it can also be used to expand storage capacity. The power adaptor has an ignition pin, which can be used with MCU to design safe delayed start and delayed shutdown functions. It has passed not only CE and FCC, but also EN50155 and EN50121-3-2 certifications. Users can use AI Box eIVP-TGU-IV-V0000 without any worry in various fields that require multi-screen output.

Sturdy mini size suitable for AI related situations

It weighs only 2.87 lbs. and it measures 5.92″x 2.24″x 4.18″in a mini form factor. This size provides users or software developers with more flexibility for space. Recommended by Jo Kuo, deputy project manager of the EverFocus Electronics PM Department, users can use the AiO NVR software developed by EverFocus to achieve smart management needs, to accomplish multiple functions such as live view, image recording, image recognition, alarm notification, etc., to improve the safety management system. The new AI edge computing box eIVP-TGU-IV-V0000 is suitable for a variety of AI application related fields, such as passenger information stations and entrances in station halls; retail electronic viewing boards, advertising walls; campus and community security; construction site personnel access and safety control; production lines defect detection, etc. Combined with EverFocus’s 2MP/5MP/8MP IP Cameras and AiO NVR software, it can form a smart car system AIOT 5G solution, and thus be used with AI software developed by EverFocus’s partners, such as Touch Cloud’s intrusion detection and personnel counting; and Horizon’s LPR.

KPIT & ZF Develop Middleware

KPIT Technologies, a leading independent software development and integration partner to the automotive and mobility industry and ZF Group, a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, announced that they will cooperate for joint development for an industry leading middleware solution for the mobility ecosystem.

The continual increase in software complexity coupled with high-performance computing infrastructure needs a robust and dependable middleware solution. The lack of such a solution can potentially delay vehicle development and escalate technology spends.

Built with the software expertise of KPIT paired with ZF’s strong understanding of vehicle systems, a mature, modular middleware solution which can be deployed across OEMs represents a transformative opportunity for the mobility ecosystem. This cooperation will also bring onboard solutions from other technology companies, including semiconductor specialists, software companies, cloud services and start-ups.

The middleware development will draw upon KPIT’s experience in several production programs, expertise in architecture consulting & software integration and its strengths in cloud based connected services. It will use KPIT’s existing assets, tools and accelerators and other core infrastructure.

Kishor Patil, CEO, KPIT Technologies, said – “We are very excited to cooperate with ZF for developing an industry leading middleware solution. OEMs want to explore open and scalable middleware solutions that can set foundation for the future generation of vehicles and bring significant quality and productivity improvements. An appropriate middleware solution will help OEMs and our mobility customers to transition well to a solid central computer architecture. Together, we bring software expertise, systems understanding, and knowledge of OEMs and mobility customer needs. This development cooperation for middleware solutions will add immense value to our global automotive and mobility customers and significantly shorten time for the development cycles”

“The next generation of vehicles that come into the market will feature electric drives, a high degree of automated functions as well as connectivity, and they will be software-defined,” explains Dr. Dirk Walliser, SVP Corporate R&D at ZF Group. “Using what we jointly develop with KPIT, we can offer our automotive customers even more comprehensive software solutions that fit seamlessly together with our system portfolio for the software-defined vehicle: high-performance computing, software, intelligent sensors and smart actuators.”

In January 2021, ZF established a Global Software Center with responsibility for developing software systems for future architectures on a group-wide level. One core product is an automotive middleware that serves as a “mediator” between a vehicle computer’s operating system and its software applications. Its development is closely connected to the development of application software for mobility domains like automated driving, integrated safety, vehicle motion control and electric mobility.