In connected car news are Qualcomm, Epic Games, VicOne, DENSO, ROHM and Hyundai Mobis.
Epic Games Unreal Engine in Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Epic Games announced the deployment of Unreal Engine pre-integrated and optimized for the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform, a key platform of Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ solutions, to create an out-of-box solution that empowers global automakers to deliver immersive user experiences. With the cohesive human machine interface (HMI) solution, automakers will be equipped to develop high-quality digital cockpit systems that are customizable and scalable across all vehicle types, and tiers.
The collaboration marks the first time Unreal Engine is being directly integrated into Snapdragon automotive platforms. Through the technology collaboration, global automakers who utilize Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions will have exclusive access to Unreal Engine tools with optimized features, providing powerful, never-before-seen, in-cabin visualization capabilities, which includes fully customizable 2D and 3D visuals to set new industry standards for in-cabin environments.
Serving as a creative foundation for design, UX/UI and simulation, Unreal Engine supports unified assets across all applications, offering fast and flexible workflows that result in cost savings, while enabling real-time collaboration and iteration at every stage.
The Snapdragon Cockpit Platform revolutionizes vehicle interaction with advanced technologies, enhancing user interfaces, connectivity, and in-cabin environments. Leveraging high-performance computing, immersive graphics, and AI, it improves user experiences and drives the shift towards connected and intelligent mobility.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Epic Games to set new standards of in-vehicle experiences,” said Laxmi Rayapudi, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “By seamlessly integrating Unreal Engine with Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, we’re empowering automakers and the ecosystem to innovate and elevate in-cabin experiences to new heights. We look forward to showcasing the power of co-innovation to unlock new possibilities for in-vehicle experiences.”
“Unreal Engine is the most open and advanced real-time 3D creation tool, providing unmatched fidelity and possibilities, whether you’re building for games or for user interfaces,” said Bill Clifford, vice president and general manager for Unreal Engine at Epic Games. “Partnering with HMI pioneer, Qualcomm Technologies, and leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Engine and the Snapdragon Digital Chassis, we’re excited to see how automakers usher in the next frontier in in-vehicle experiences.”
The new HMI solution featuring Epic’s Unreal Engine and Snapdragon Cockpit is currently available for developers. For more information about the collaboration between Qualcomm Technologies and Epic Games, visit this link.
VicOne TISAX Level 3 Cert
VicOne, an automotive cybersecurity solutions leader, has achieved TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) Level 3 certification, which guarantees the highest level of data protection and cybersecurity for car manufacturers and their suppliers.
TISAX is created upon the ISO/IEC27001 standard and tailored to meet the needs of the automotive industry. Defined by the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), TISAX guarantees the highest possible level of data protection and know-how against the increasing frequency of cyberattacks. Fast becoming the common standard in the automotive industry, it is being increasingly requested by automotive manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. The TISAX certification is designed to support cross-company recognition of automotive information security assessments around the globe, it is a badge of commitment to OEMs and their suppliers safeguard sensitive and confidential data.
Earning TISAX Level 3 supply chain information security assessment represents another important milestone for VicOne, including:
- Obtaining the ASPICE CL2 certification that ensures VicOne’s automotive cybersecurity solutions comply with the most advanced operational processes and standards
- Acquiring the ISO/SAE 21434 certificate, which provides comprehensive cybersecurity risk management for automakers and suppliers
After undergoing rigorous onsite assessments by the accredited auditor, SGS, VicOne successfully achieved TISAX certification Level 3.
“OEMs, suppliers and services providers in automotive industry, where massive amounts of confidential data are exchanged daily, must pay close attention to information security,” said Stephen Pao, SGS Business Assurance Director. “By earning the highest level of TISAX certification, VicOne is protecting sensitive data by ensuring integrity and availability in the manufacturing process.”
Trend Micro CEO, Eva Chen attended the certification ceremony and commented, “Software defined vehicles is an ongoing trend, with more and more applications and techniques like genAI involved to ensure secured protection among data exchange and interconnections that are key to automotive industry growth. We feel proud to see VicOne’s continuous commitment to safeguard the automotive ecosystem and thrive alongside the OEMs and suppliers.”
“Achieving these three certifications that the automotive ecosystem relies on so heavily underscores VicOne’s commitment to the protection of vehicle parts and components, enabling safe and trusted collaboration between OEMs and their partners across the entire supply chain,” said Max Cheng, CEO, VicOne. “We are strengthening the automotive industry’s ability to combat cyberattacks, and further protecting vehicle data and privacy for all car manufacturers and suppliers around the world.”
DENSO & ROHM Semiconductor Partnership
DENSO CORPORATION and ROHM Co., Ltd. hereby announce that the two companies have agreed to start consideration of strategic partnership in the semiconductor field.
As the development and spread of electric vehicles accelerate toward the realization of carbon neutrality, the demand for electronic components and semiconductors required for electrification of vehicles is rapidly increasing. In addition, semiconductors are becoming increasingly important as products that support the intelligence of vehicles, such as automated driving and connectivity which are expected to contribute to eliminating fatalities in traffic accidents, and are essential to the realization of a sustainable society.
DENSO and ROHM have been working together through trade and development of semiconductors for automotive applications. Going forward, both companies will consider this partnership to achieve a stable supply of highly reliable products, as well as for various initiatives to develop high-quality and high-efficiency semiconductors that contribute to a sustainable society.
To further solidify the partnership, DENSO will acquire a portion of ROHM’s shares.
Hyundai Mobis’ Mobility Tech Revealed
Hyundai Mobis has unveiled 65 mobility technologies slated for commercialization within the next two to three years. This milestone achievement results from concentrating this year’s record-high R&D investment of approximately 1.7 trillion KRW on electrification and electronics. Hyundai Mobis remains committed to its R&D strategy, which aims to proactively secure future competitiveness in the rapidly evolving global automotive industry.
On the 4th, Hyundai Mobis held the ‘2024 R&D Tech Day’ at its Uiwang Research Center in Gyeonggi Province, inviting major domestic media outlets. Tech Day is an event where Hyundai Mobis traditionally showcased its research and development achievements to clients every other year. This year, however, the company opened the event to external stakeholders, demonstrating its confidence in the results of its future mobility R&D development outcomes.
The Electrification Research Building, where the Tech Day was held, is a specialized research facility dedicated to next-generation electrification technologies, completed at the end of last year. It plays a pivotal role by consolidating the development of key electrification components, including R&D, testing and evaluation, and quality analysis, all under one roof.
Hyundai Mobis chose ‘Collective Inspiration’ as the theme for this Tech Day, symbolizing the integrated collaboration across all related departments in R&D to provide a comprehensive mobility integrated solution.
The exhibition featured seven themes and presented 65 key technologies in sectors such as electrification, electronics, and safety, including 14 world-first innovations. A Hyundai Mobis representative explained, “These achievements were made possible by advancing preemptive projects aligned with mobility trends, fostering a flexible R&D culture, and securing top talent through substantial investments.”
- Announcement of Three Core Electrification Component R&D Strategies… Prioritizing In-House Design and Manufacturing to Lead Internationally
On the same day, Hyundai Mobis announced its three core development strategies for electrification components: drive systems, battery systems, and power conversion systems. Building on the expertise gained since developing hybrid battery systems, motors, and inverters in 2011, Hyundai Mobis aims to lead the industry with electrification solutions specialized for unit components, systems, Advanced Automotive Mobility (AAM), and robotics.
Lee Young-Kook, Vice President of Hyundai Mobis’s Electric Powertrain Engineering Division stated, “Despite external environmental changes such as the Chasm, hundreds of researchers at the Uiwang Research Center are diligently pursuing uninterrupted R&D activities,” adding, “Hyundai Mobis’s competitiveness in electrification components is recognized as top-tier by global customers, and many international clients, including those from Europe, are expected to attend this year’s R&D Tech Day.”
Among Hyundai Mobis’s three core electrification component strategies, the drive system is represented by a 3-in-1 integrated drive system combining motors, reduction gears, and inverters. Key focuses include miniaturizing the system, high-efficiency electromagnetic design, oil cooling, and power module technology. Building on this, specialized drive systems for PBVs and AAMs are also under development.
The battery system strategy emphasizes thermal management stabilization technology. The goal is to develop systems with inherent heat resistance and flame retardancy to prevent thermal transfer rather than merely delay it. Additionally, Cell-to-Pack technology, which skips the module stage to directly assemble packs from cells, is concentrating on increasing energy density. Future initiatives include next-generation battery cells and advanced technologies utilizing recycled batteries as new business ventures.
The power conversion system strategy focuses on developing the next-generation Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which incorporates the Electric Vehicle Communication Controller (EVCC). This advancement is expected to realize Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity for electric vehicles, linking cars with charging infrastructure and smart home functionalities. Concurrently, Hyundai Mobis is accelerating the development of necessary power semiconductors.
- Hosting a Large-Scale Exhibition to Attract Global Clients… Actively Leveraging Overseas Order Opportunities
Over recent years, Hyundai Mobis has consistently participated in global exhibitions, including CES. These events serve dual purposes: enhancing brand recognition among general audiences and actively utilizing them as business channels for securing orders from international clients.
The unprecedented number of exhibits unveiled at this year’s R&D Tech Day is a testament to this strategy. Of the total 65 exhibits, 21 were electronic components, the highest proportion. The majority showcased technologies in autonomous driving, advanced sensors, parking assistance systems, next-generation displays, and connectivity encompassing infotainment innovations.
Key products included a high-performance front radar with an extended detection range of 350 meters, an infrared camera with improved recognition capabilities under adverse weather conditions, generative AI specialized for vehicle care, and a 3D display with an expanded field of view.
Electrification components were presented in next-generation product lines tailored to market trends and customer requirements. Notable examples included in-wheel motors capable of crab steering, next-generation drive systems for compact trucks specialized for urban transportation, and bidirectional ICCUs with high power density.
In the safety and chassis sectors, Hyundai Mobis attracted attention by introducing world-first technologies in major core component areas such as airbags, lamps, braking, and steering systems. Highlights included a passenger-side airbag designed to reduce brain injuries during collisions, communication headlamps that interact with surrounding road conditions using HD LEDs, a third-generation regenerative braking system, and a rear-wheel steering system recognized as an innovative technology by North American automotive publication Automotive News.
Additionally, other standout innovations included a core device made from nickel-free metal powder without using expensive rare metals like nickel for inductors, ultra-high-speed battery charging cooling technology, e-corner systems enabling crab steering, and the next-generation infotainment integrated system M.Vics 4.0, all of which captivated the audience’s attention.