Siemens, a leading industrial tech firm, has launched PAVE360 Automotive. This digital twin software addresses the increasing complexity of car hardware and software. This cloud-ready solution helps automakers and suppliers quickly create software-defined vehicles. It includes features like advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous driving, and in-vehicle infotainment.
Automotive manufacturers often take months to build custom digital twin environments. They use these for integration and validation. PAVE360 Automotive removes this delay. It gives a full virtual blueprint that shows real vehicle hardware from the start. This cuts development time from months to just days. The platform is now available to key customers. A general rollout is set for February 2026. Also, a demonstration will take place at CES 2026.
What PAVE360 Automotive Does?
Digital twins are virtual copies of real systems. They help teams simulate, validate, and optimize complex systems. This way, teams don’t have to depend only on physical prototypes. PAVE360 Automotive leverages this technology to:
Start full-system development early. This includes ADAS, AD, and IVI components. Use pre-integrated reference designs and simulation environments to help.
Unify hardware and software workflows for remote engineering teams through cloud-based collaboration. This helps avoid isolated toolchains.
Customize and scale digital twins using extra software, models, and hardware. This approach supports ongoing development.
Speed up software development cycles with high-fidelity simulation. This includes using the latest automotive IP, like the Arm Zena Compute Subsystem (CSS). You can validate functionality up to two years earlier than with traditional methods.
Connect virtual models to physical hardware for real-world testing before mass production. This ensures thorough validation.
This approach moves validation earlier in the design process. It reduces costly redesigns later. It also ensures system compatibility before creating physical prototypes.
Why the Automotive Industry Needs PAVE360
Modern vehicles are increasingly defined by their software. The rise of SDVs means that the amount of code, embedded systems, sensors, and interconnected subsystems inside a vehicle has grown exponentially. Legacy development methodologies – where software and hardware are developed in separate phases – can no longer keep pace with market demands.
PAVE360 Automotive tackles several industry challenges head-on:
1. Complexity of Software-Defined Vehicles
Automotive engineers manage connections between hardware, software, sensors, controllers, and user interfaces. Digital twins, like PAVE360, bring these elements into one virtual space. This helps engineers see how systems will act and work together before the parts are built.
2. Speed to Market
The automotive sector faces strong time-to-market pressures, especially for EVs and self-driving features. Cutting setup and validation time from months to days helps manufacturers launch new products faster. This helps them stay competitive and meet consumer expectations.
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Automakers often team up with global suppliers, software developers, and semiconductor firms. A digital twin framework helps teams work together in the cloud. This cuts down on misalignment and speeds up integration.
4. Cost Efficiency & Risk Mitigation
Early system-level testing finds errors before hardware production starts. This cuts down on expensive rework. It ensures that safety-critical parts in autonomous systems follow rules and meet performance standards.
Broader Impacts on the Automotive Industry
Advancing Software-Defined Vehicle Adoption
Software-defined vehicles mark a big change in car design. Now, cars rely more on software platforms, over-the-air updates, and ongoing performance upgrades. Siemens’ PAVE360 Automotive helps automakers design, simulate, and test vehicle software early. This happens before the hardware is ready. This gives them an advantage in providing reliable software updates and features to customers.
Enabling Safer and More Reliable Autonomous Systems
Advanced driver-assistance and autonomous driving systems need thorough testing. They must be checked in many different scenarios. PAVE360 offers high-fidelity digital simulations. This lets safety engineers test edge cases and failure modes. They can do this without risking real vehicles or public safety.
Strengthening Supplier & Silicon Ecosystems
Digital twins that integrate automotive IP – such as Arm Zena CSS – accelerate software compatibility across hardware platforms. This benefits chip designers, electronics suppliers, and vehicle OEMs by creating standards for virtual development that reduce integration friction.
Supporting Global Collaboration and Digital Workflows
Cloud-based digital twins democratize access to system-level vehicle models. Smaller suppliers and startups – not only big OEMs – can use shared virtual platforms. These platforms help them innovate and test components. This could make it easier for new companies to enter the automotive market.
Effects on Automotive-Focused Businesses
The arrival of PAVE360 Automotive will have ripple effects across the automotive value chain:
OEMs can speed up development cycles. They can validate systems earlier and save money on prototypes and late-stage debugging.
Tier-1 Suppliers gain from a shared digital space. This space speeds up the integration of ADAS, AD, sensors, and infotainment modules.
Semiconductor and software providers get early access to real-world tests. These tests help ensure their products meet system performance needs.
Engineering consultancies and testing labs may move to digital validation services. This shift can help clients with virtual testing, simulation workflows, and design optimization.
EV and autonomous startups can compete better with off-the-shelf digital twin tools. This helps them gain credibility with OEM partners faster.
Challenges & Considerations
Adopting digital twin platforms like PAVE360 Automotive has its hurdles:
Change Management: Engineering teams need to move from old workflows to digital and cloud tools.
Data Security & IP Protection: As development moves to the cloud, OEMs and suppliers need secure access controls. They must also safeguard their proprietary designs.
Skill Development: Simulation experts and software engineers should use digital twin frameworks. This will boost their value.
Conclusion
Siemens’ PAVE360 Automotive marks a big change in vehicle engineering, testing, and market launch. This platform lets automakers and suppliers simulate entire systems. This boosts innovation for software-driven vehicles. Additionally, it establishes a new benchmark for digital collaboration within the automotive sector.
Software is reshaping mobility, from driver assistance to autonomous vehicles and connected services. Tools like PAVE360 are key for companies wanting to succeed in this fast-changing market.