UPDATING THE AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE

UPDATING THE AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE ZF JOINS ESYNC ALLIANCE

As vehicles are prepared for the digitalised future, outfitted with sophisticated, automated features, and with further autonomous functions looming on the horizon, up-to-date software is crucial in ensuring road safety, cybersecurity and efficiency.

However, returning your car to a dealership or independent workshop to install the newest software is cumbersome and costly, especially for fleet operators.

In an effort to simplify and streamline this issue, ZF has joined the eSync Alliance, a multivendor initiative for Over-the-Air (OTA) update and diagnostic data solutions that could potentially save the automotive industry billions of dollars each year.

Over-the-Air (OTA) updates help to minimise this expense by transmitting newer software versions directly from the cloud into the vehicle via a data connection, and with no waiting time.

The eSync Alliance, which ZF has now joined, is based around the eSync system, a platform combining both cloud and in-car components. The platform was originally developed by Excelfore to provide secure transactions with electronic end devices installed in vehicles. In addition, the system works as a shield against threats from outside the vehicle.

It also provides two-way communication enabling software and firmware updates over-theair, and collection of real-time diagnostics and telematics data from end devices in the vehicle.

There are currently many OTA systems competing in the market, each with specific update mechanisms. The eSync system

aims to establish a unified standard. By taking part in the Alliance, companies benefit from a simplified development environment enabled by a customisable, scalable open platform with standardised features and API’s (Application Programming Interface).

ANALYSTS ESTIMATE THE EXPENDITURE FOR SOFTWARE RECALLS WAS $3 BILLION IN 2016, IN THE US ALONE.

“The eSync Alliance is leading the way in OTA technology and advanced diagnostics, providing a framework for its member companies to benefit from standardised and interoperable OTA components,” said Franck Lesbroussart, Head of Advanced Digital Software Development at ZF.

“ZF will take an active part in the Alliance, and by working together with our new partners, we can advance the industry as a whole.”

For ZF, the open and secure eSync platform also provides opportunities for their extensive portfolio of non-automotive products, such as rail, marine and other industrial transmissions.