The upsurge in the number of software installed in a car might create challenges in the future. There are multiple tools, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and under-the-hood software integrated into a car for engine management. At one point, all the software would require an update, and it can be a daunting task to keep all the software up to date.
Implementing an over the air engine (OTA) control module allows car owners an opportunity to remotely update firmware and software. OTA makes the internet accessible to the vehicle system. According to a report by Extrapolate, the global over the air engine (OTA) control module market size is expected to reach $2,204.9 million by 2028, expanding at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 19.7% over 2022-2028
In this blog, let us have a look at an overview of OTA and its use cases in the automotive sector.
How Does OTA Updates Function?
The over the air engine (OTA) control module is a device management software operated by the manufacturer. The manufacturer develops a new software or firmware update and uploads it to the cloud. The target device will queue, download, and validate the update through a cellular or mobile connection. Once the device verifies the update, the OTA system will send a notification to the owner to either approve or reject the update. Post the approval of the owner, the software will install the update and report the diagnostic data to the manufacturer.
Software over-the-air updates (SOTA) have become popular in the automotive market. Big vehicle manufacturers, at regular intervals, roll out SOTA upgrades for infotainment and navigation systems. SOTA also has the capability to update software that manages vehicles’ electronic signal processing systems or physical components.
Compared to SOTA, firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) upgrades have been embraced by a few automotive manufacturers like Tesla and NIO. The significant reason behind this is that FOTA updates require more computing power, quick mobile connections, and better security levels.
Majority of the players in the automotive industry are already designing vehicle hardware to support software updates. This strategy allows manufacturers to adopt a revenue model depending on services instead of a one-time sale of the vehicle.
What are the OTA Use Cases in the Automotive Sector?
1. Drive Control:
The drive control OTA functionality updates are critical and improve the vehicle’s capability to move safely on the road. These software or firmware bug fixes and improvements at regular intervals can assist in the robustness, efficiency, and trustworthiness of vehicle systems throughout their life cycle. The updates of drive control OTA will have patches and improvements to the chassis, autonomous driving, and powertrain Systems. Manufacturers in the automotive industry enforce OTA updates for maintenance to optimize the power system performance of the vehicle. It also helps in rectifying issues to enhance operational efficiency.
Automated driving systems (ADS) technology is still in its nascent stage. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) has made significant advancements in that sector. This technology integrates five stages of automation, and every stage has the following unique features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Adaptive Light Control
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Automatic Parking
- Blind Spot Monitoring & others
ADAS consists of multiple subsystems, such as engine control units (ECUs), sensors, and data. These subsystems are run by software programs that need updates at regular intervals to function properly. If the manufacturer does not offer regular updates, it might have negative impacts on the vehicle’s safety and security. The over the air engine (OTA) control module plays an important role in making ADAS more accessible & effective. Automotive OEMs can enforce regular OTA updates for ADAS-driven vehicles without reframing the complete software program. However, the OTA updates cannot be executed while the vehicle is moving.
2. Infotainment:
The Infotainment upgrades enhance the digital experience in the vehicle. These software updates have fixes for the maps, audio, and interface glitches, and new app versions, streaming services, and enhancements. Infotainment systems have become crucial for vehicle manufacturers to make them stand apart from the competition. The over the air engine (OTA) control module updates in infotainment helps meet the changing lifestyle demands of the customers.
The Future Opportunities of Automotive OTA
As autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality, the automotive industry is making significant advancements in ADS to ensure the smooth and safe motion of vehicles. The government regulatory bodies are introducing new compliance and safety standards regularly. OTA updates could be beneficial to address compliance challenges in real time for ADAS and ADS. The over the air engine (OTA) control module updates provide advantages for auto manufacturers and clients. As there is a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the potential use of OTA updates will increase. Vehicle intelligence is increasingly becoming more sophisticated; AI algorithms can detect and share diagnostic and operational data from vehicle systems to manufacturers. The automotive sector is exploring opportunities to embrace OTA technology as a revolutionary tool to enhance vehicle user experience.
Wrapping up Over the Air Engine (OTA) Control Module
Building a future-ready vehicle is not an easy task. The automotive industry is revolutionizing itself by offering advanced autonomous vehicles that move without the interference of a human. With so much hardware and software integrated into the vehicle, it can be challenging to keep all the software updated regularly. The over the air engine (OTA) control module allows car manufacturers and owners to remotely update the software regularly.
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