At last week’s all-virtual CES 2021, Finland-based connectivity specialist Bittium showcased its R&D innovations for next-generation vehicle development, including the advanced Google Android Automotive reference design for intelligent HMIs (human-machine interfaces) as well as secure solutions for vehicle management and connectivity.
A significant point of emphasis of Bittium’s CES exhibit was their solution for secure vehicle management and connectivity. As Bittium noted, connected car systems are increasingly becoming one a significant factor in new vehicle purchase decisions. This opens up a huge market potential for system designers and OEMs, but also increases information security risks.
Bittium’s answer to this challenge is to enable easy remote monitoring and management of vehicles as well as security and privacy for the driver. For example, the management of OEM applications downloaded to a vehicle allows better control of the visual brand identity for the car manufacturer, as well as vehicle software updates. The company’s solution for vehicle monitoring and management also supports service providers such as logistics companies and car rental agencies.
Bittium also took advantage of CES 2021 to demonstrate its new HMI development on Android Automotive, specifically a reference design that includes a digital cluster and infotainment system built by using Rightware‘s Kanzi UI (user interface) tools. The reference design has been enhanced by using an AI-based face-analysis toolkit from Valossa, and by developing an adaptive HMI design to support related functionalities. A driver-monitoring system and adaptive HMI enables a vehicle to adapt to driver behavior and needs in an effort to reduce driver distractions and improve safety.
Android customization and integration services were additional key features of Bittium’s CES 2021 exhibit. The company offers the support of its R&D experts to automotive industry suppliers in developing tailored and optimized Android based solutions for different customer needs, starting from board-support-package software development, to full system level integration. For example, Bittium’s Android Automotive reference design has been integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and driver recognition for personalized user experience.
As an engineering partner, Bittium aims to accelerate the automotive industry’s evolution and delivery of systems by leveraging its expertise in information security, development of Android- and Linux-based solutions, and wireless connectivity, said Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President of Bittium’s Connectivity Solutions product and service area. He says the company is looking to help automotive industry suppliers to create secure, reliable, intelligent, and easy-to-use connected car systems.
“The goal is to make the driving experience as comfortable and safe as possible,” he said.
To see the solutions demonstrated by Bittium at CES 2021, visit the company’s website.
Gary Mason contributed this article to Futurride. He’s a storyteller and communications professional with more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. During his career, Gary has represented such companies as Honda, ZF, Federal-Mogul, MTU, and General Motors, as well as several automotive steel producers. A content creator, Gary is always looking for great stories to tell. Contact Gary at gmasonPR@gmail.com.
