Manufacturing & Automotive Principal, Tietoevry Create
The challenge
The Android Automotive Vehicle Hardware Abstraction Layer (VHAL) establishes a standardized approach for accessing vehicle properties. This enables seamless integration with third-party applications, like those commonly found on smart phones.
Currently, VHAL works well with simple data (e.g., temperature values). However, it becomes much harder when dealing with complex data types (such as seat positions), especially that they tend to vary among different OEMs. This makes the abstraction process extremely problematic.
Our customer (a software subsidiary of a major OEM) searched for optimal solutions for VHAL implementation that would align with their long-term goals. To accomplish this, a meticulous evaluation of various VHAL implementations had to be planned and conducted. The aim was to select the optimal method that would fit the entire platform's architectural framework.
The solution
Tietoevry, as experts in Android-based automotive platforms, undertook the challenge of designing and implementing several proofs of concepts (PoCs) by leveraging alternative architectures and technologies to effectively utilize the VHAL while adhering to the structured layers of the Android platform.
The primary focus of these PoCs was to abstract a set of OEM vehicle features through coding and rigorous testing. Our team performed an in-depth analysis of proposed solutions with regards to agreed KPIs. The result provided the customer with comprehensive insights and objective data that would aid in making data-driven decisions regarding the future development of the customer's automotive platform.
The scope of work included:
- Adjusting application framework
- Developing custom Car Manager HAL
- Adjusting Car Service
- Designing and implementing Custom VHAL
- Enhancing vehicle communication
About the customer
Software subsidiary of a major automotive manufacturer, focused on development of robust software platforms with innovative digital features for current and future vehicles within the OEM group.
Expertise
Embedded development experience and AAOS in-depth knowledge to help customer finding the most efficient solution.
Innovation
Creative approach towards designing and implementing a custom solution suited to the customer's needs and KPIs.
Time to market
Thanks to in-depth analysis of the proposed solution customer received a valuable dataset for critical decisions concerning future development decisions, possibly shortening time-to-market processes.
