
VSB-TUO is involved in shaping the future unified architecture of European cars
The focus of the three-year international Horizon project HAL4SDV is to create and test a European software-defined vehicle (SDV) solution for next-generation vehicles expected beyond 2030. This initiative involves collaboration among partners from various European automakers, leading development suppliers, and selected research institutions from 12 countries. The national coordinator of the Czech team is Petr Šimoník from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Comuter Science at VSB-TUO, who also leads the Industry 4.0 & Automotive Lab of the REFRESH project.
With a total budget of €64.482 million, the project aims to synchronize efforts across Europe to establish a robust SDV ecosystem, leveraging synergies from existing national projects and international research endeavors. The partners are responsible for pioneering innovative methods, technologies, and processes to facilitate the mass production of vehicles set to debut after 2030.
“The innovative concept of the software-defined vehicle enables adaptable customization and expansion of features to meet user requirements. From 2024 to 2027, VSB-TUO is participating in a completely unique and challenging project focused on developing a future unified architecture for European vehicles. With in the consortium, we are working with partners such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ford, Cariad, Bosch, Continental, ETAS, Elektrobit, Valeo, ZF, NXP Sem iconductors (from both the Czech Republic and Germany), Infineon, STMicro electronics, Vektor Informatik, the Technical University of Munich, the Technical University of Stuttgart, and others,” stated Šimoník.
The VSB-TUO team is tasked with several responsibilities, including the creation of an experimental demonstration vehicle featuring a new architecture for SDV applications, the development of a virtual SDV within a laboratory simulation model environment, conducting behavioral analyses of autonomous SDV drivers, and preparing educational materials for SDV instruction. Beyond technological advancements, the HAL4SDV project aims to enhance the European automotive industry, ensuring its competitiveness, facilitating green and digital transitions, and fostering collaboration and sustainability across the automotive ecosystem.

