Stellantis N.V. has developed a virtual cockpit platform to help accelerate the delivery of infotainment technology to customers. The platform, a part of Stellantis’ Virtual Engineering Workbench (VEW), leverages the QNX Hypervisor from BlackBerry in a cloud environment, now available for early access on AWS Marketplace through the QNX Accelerate portfolio of cloud-based tools. This innovation enables Stellantis to create virtual versions of car controls and systems, which behave like those in a real car but can be developed and tested much more rapidly, Stellantis said.
The QNX Hypervisor on AWS Marketplace allows Stellantis to simulate a virtual cockpit high-performance computing (HPC) in a cloud setting. The tools provide virtualization of graphics, audio and touchscreen/mouse/keyboard inputs, offering a realistic experience akin to running QNX Hypervisor-based systems on actual hardware.
Stellantis’ software-centric approach is a key component of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, driving technologies like the AI-powered STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA AutoDrive. In 2022, Stellantis chose AWS as its preferred cloud provider for vehicle platforms, leading to the development of the in-house VEW. Using QNX Hypervisor in the cloud, Stellantis can speed up customer feedback sessions, replicate specific cockpit experiences and make real-time adjustments to enhance the driver experience.
Yves Bonnefont, chief software officer at Stellantis, emphasized the importance of software in vehicle development. “Software is becoming increasingly crucial in vehicles, leading us to innovate in how we develop and validate it,” said Bonnefont. “With our virtual cockpit, we’re revolutionizing not just our approach, but also that of our suppliers and partners in the industry.”
A demonstration of the technology is available at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from Jan. 9-12, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where BlackBerry is exhibiting at Booth #4224 in the West Hall.
