Top Concerns for Automotive Software Developers in 2023

Security Remains a Major Concern

A significant finding from the latest survey highlights that 48% of automotive software developers prioritize security as their biggest worry. Alarmingly, 83% of respondents anticipate that software-defined vehicles (SDVs) will be prime targets for cyberattacks within the next three years.

Moon, a prominent figure in the industry, emphasizes that the survey underscores the growing acknowledgment among developers about the importance of security. "This isn’t just hype from the industry; it's a fundamental concern that developers are recognizing at the grassroots level," he noted.

Productivity Challenges in Development

Speed and complexity pose considerable challenges for automotive software developers. Moon suggests that the rapid pace of software development is outstripping companies' hiring capabilities. As a result, many are struggling to keep up.

He advocates for a culture shift, urging companies to move away from individuals working in isolated environments. "The next significant advancement in the automotive sector will stem from strategic partnerships rather than isolated company efforts," Moon stated. Building a cooperative framework among companies is essential for addressing core industry issues.

Collaboration Opportunities

While collaboration is crucial, Moon acknowledges the inherent difficulties. It involves balancing innovation, control, and ambition. "Each company naturally desires to control its own trajectory, but collaboration is vital for collective progress," he remarked.

In a move toward fostering collaboration, QNX and Vector recently announced their Alloy Kore software foundation. This framework was selected by Coretura—a venture formed between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group—to facilitate the development of software-defined commercial vehicles.

According to Moon, the open application programming interface (API) provided by Alloy Kore enables seamless integration with various software systems. "By offering these APIs in an open realm, we empower innovation across all aspects of development," he explained.

Growth and Consolidation in the Sector

This collaborative spirit is evident in QNX's growing order book, as revealed by Blackberry. The company announced that its royalty backlog has climbed beyond $1.2 billion, marking a historical milestone.

Moon interprets this increase as a sign of "active consolidation" within the automotive, robotics, and industrial automation sectors, suggesting a trend toward greater integration among key players.

Innovative Partnerships on the Rise

In another example of collaboration, RemotiveLabs, a Swedish tech firm, has partnered with Google Cloud. Their initiative, announced on October 5, combines RemotiveLabs' visualization technology, RemotiveTopology, with Google Cloud's Horizon platform. This partnership enables the creation of virtual models prior to hardware development, enhancing efficiency in the engineering process.

David Heiny, co-founder and CEO of AI-native cloud simulation platform SimScale, echoes the importance of rapid adaptation in a competitive industry. "Engineering velocity is essential for survival and growth in today’s market," he stated in a recent interview. Heiny's insight reinforces the notion that maintaining pace often necessitates sacrificing some emphasis on quality.