Insights

Five Reasons Why AGL is the Obvious Choice for the Automotive Industry

Nivashini Muthukrishnan, UST

This will fuel a race for innovation as consumers look beyond fuel mileage and steering towards the technological accessories that will make the time they are in transport more enjoyable and well-spent. Automotive companies must differentiate their software and amenities to compete in this landscape.

However, open-source software will power much of the innovation. Thanks to a consortium of automotive companies, suppliers, and technology companies, LINUX is revolutionizing the automotive industry just as it revolutionized computing decades ago.

One of the most promising initiatives within the automotive industry is the iMX8-run, Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) collaborative.

OEMs are increasingly interested in reducing software development and deployment time and adding new functionalities with Over-The-Air (OTA) upgrade capabilities. AGL unites automakers, suppliers, and technology companies in the common goal to create a Linux-based, standardized open software platform for automotive applications.

AGL features 11 automakers and over 150 partner companies.

Why open-source? It creates a shared ecosystem that allows providers to shorten the time to market for software and significantly customize it even after deployment.

Ever since AGL released the industry’s first open in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) software specification in 2015, the collective has expanded its remit to focus on instrument cluster, heads up display, telematics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving.

AGL has stated its goal is to supply 70-80% of the standard software for every automobile with last-mile differentiation provided by automotive companies and OEMs.

By creating a standard code, automotive manufacturers and their partners can build useful applications and platforms to benefit consumers more efficiently.

And one of the most promising applications made possible by AGL is Automotive Infotainment, the combination of hardware and software in automobiles that powers information and entertainment.

Here’s why AGL’s Automotive Infotainment System is the best solution for OEMs.

Short-lead Time: With pressure from changing consumer demands, automotive OEMs do not have the bandwidth or resources to continually build new software from the foundation up. By providing universal standards, OEMs can focus on last-mile customization that will help them differentiate.

Safety and Security: Having an open-source code and shared resource to deploy patches and continually upgrade the platform’s security is a huge advantage over requiring OEMs to manage their core security, especially when there are so many bad actors looking to disrupt and infect software systems.

Adoption of Best Practices: Tapping into the network of software and hardware experts involved in the AGL ensures

Providing the Complete Package: Unlike other attempts at open-source Infotainment platforms, AGL’s continuous branching out into other areas (like telemetrics and ADAS) means fewer platforms for the OEM to manage, crucial in a machine as complex as an automobile.

Customization: AGL provides OEMs with the efficiency of open source and provides control over the look and feel, including branding, and the ease of adding additional services.

Of course, OEMs interested in deploying AGL’s Automotive Infotainment Solution require a trusted provider to help with implementation. UST's unique approach makes it the ideal partner. As one of the key developers for the NXP solution on AGL, UST has ample experience providing solutions for this platform.

We accomplish this through the following solutions:

• Porting and Development: Seamless transition from legacy systems to the open-source AGL
• UI/UX strategy: Ensuring the customer experience with automotive software is simple and enjoyable
• Telematics and Connectivity: A holistic approach to connect the Infotainment solution with critical aspects of the total operating system
• Sensor Feature Extraction: Using multidimensional sensor signals to achieve an optimal recognition result
• ADAS Focus Areas: Enhancements to maintain absolute safety while using drivers’ assistance services
• Security enhancement: Additional features to protect the OS from possible intrusions, including automobile cybersecurity issues.
• Automotive Specific Use-Case Development: We work with you to identify unique features that will help differentiate your platform from the competition.

While AGL is an obvious choice for all automotive companies and OEMs, we can help make the process smoother and more cost-effective and ensure real differentiation with your go-to-market solution.