by The automotive industry has been rapidly moving towards connectivity and transforming the in-vehicle experience. With increasing adoption of Internet of Things technologies, automotive OEMs are looking at cloud platforms to power innovative services and applications inside vehicles. It refers to cloud computing applications and services that are aimed at connecting vehicles, enabling data analytics and improving the driver experience through advanced connectivity features.
Enabling Connectivity Through Cloud Platforms
One of the key roles of cloud platforms is to enable connectivity inside vehicles. Modern vehicles are getting equipped with embedded cellular modems, WiFi hotspots and other networking capabilities. However, establishing reliable connectivity and managing the data exchange requires robust cloud infrastructure. Automotive Cloud solutions provide vehicle telematics gateways that handle all the communication between the vehicle and the cloud. These gateways facilitate seamless tethering of smartphones, transferring of vehicle diagnostics data as well as software updates over the air. The cloud platforms monitor network connectivity, ensure security of data transfer and enable real-time tracking of vehicle location and fleet management.
Powering Advanced In-vehicle Infotainment Services
The automotive cloud powers the next generation of digital cockpits and in-vehicle entertainment and information systems. Advanced infotainment services leveraging cloud computing include built-in app stores with access to a wide range of applications, voice assistants, multimedia streaming and advanced navigation systems with cloud-powered maps and traffic updates. Further, integrating with smartphone mirroring technologies allows drivers to seamlessly project their phone display onto the vehicle screens and control apps through voice commands. Automotive manufacturers are also deploying digital marketplace platforms on the automotive cloud to enable third-party developers to create innovative in-vehicle applications and services.
Facilitating Predictive Maintenance
Automotive cloud is essential for predictive diagnostics and preventive vehicle maintenance. With sensors generating troves of operational data from different vehicle components, the cloud architecture provides storage, analytics and predictive modeling capabilities. By applying machine learning on fleet data, the cloud can monitor early failure warning signals from vehicles in real-time. This helps predict component issues before they arise and schedule repairs proactively. Manufacturers are able to track vehicle health remotely, detect anomalies and push over-the-air updates. The cloud solutions also facilitate remote diagnostics where technicians can remotely access vehicle systems, obtain fault codes and run proprietary diagnostic tests to troubleshoot issues.
Enabling New Business Models in Mobility
Automotive manufacturers are increasingly adopting cloud-centric business models to offer mobility services. Connectivity and cloud platforms enable various connectivity-based usage-based insurance programs, pay-per-use models for advanced features and subscription-based access to infotainment services. For example, automakers may offer toggle-able extended warranty or roadside assistance packages optimized for cloud-connected driving behaviors. Further, automotive cloud can power mobility-as-a-service platforms integrating ride-hailing, car-sharing and public transport options. It helps deliver integrated multimodal transportation experiences to users through a single mobility account. Overall, the cloud becomes the linchpin for automakers to monetize digital vehicle experiences and unlock new revenue streams from connected services.
Security and Privacy Considerations
While automotive cloud drives innovation, security of vehicle systems and privacy of driver data are the prime concerns. As vehicles get networked and systems increasingly software-defined, they become prone to external threats. The cloud infrastructure needs robust access control and authorization mechanisms along with military-grade firewalls to prevent any unauthorized access. Further, all the vehicle data streaming to the cloud requires top-notch encryption. Automotive-grade security standards need to implemented along with regular security updates analogous to smartphone platforms. On the privacy front, automotive companies need transparent data management policies regarding the collection, storage and use of personal driver information on the cloud. Driver consent architecture, data ownership models and compliance with global privacy regulations are critical for responsible use of cloud-connected mobility data.
It is a fundamental enabler for the digital transformation underway in the transportation industry. As vehicles get smarter with advanced connectivity and automated driving functions, cloud platforms will play a crucial role in powering innovative driver experiences, predictive analytics capabilities, seamless over-the-air software management as well as new revenue opportunities. While technological advancements as well as evolving usage-based business models are redefining personal mobility, automotive cloud is emerging as the connective fabric bringing all these elements together securely and seamlessly for an optimized connected vehicle ecosystem.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
