Modern cars are powerful computers on wheels

Indeed, modern cars, and especially electric and autonomous cars, can be considered in a very simple way as powerful computers on wheels. And this is becoming more and more of a reality every day, with the increase in sensors and electronic systems of all kinds that are placed in new cars, and that control everything from engine performance to entertainment functions.

And for this reason, the Fraunhofer Institute is working on a new project called CeCaS (Central Car Server) which is a kind of supercomputer system to be placed in the cars of the future, which is an innovative project and seeks to bring the intelligence of the automobile to a new level.

The CeCaS project is proposed as a centralized supercomputer system for the cars of the future. This vehicle server would act as the brain of the vehicle, integrating and processing information from all the car's systems and sensors.

It is based on a modular architecture, which means it can be adapted to the specific needs of each vehicle manufacturer and model. The system will be composed of different processing units, each specialized in a specific task:

• Vehicle control unit: It will manage the basic functions of the vehicle, such as engine control, transmission, steering and brakes.
• Safety unit: It will be in charge of the vehicle's safety systems, such as ABS, ESP and airbags.
• Infotainment unit: It will control the vehicle's information and entertainment system, such as the radio, GPS navigator and hands-free system.
• Connectivity unit: It will allow the vehicle to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure and external devices.

I attach the system diagram provided by the Fraunhofer Institute:

All these systems are interconnected through a very reliable Ethernet network that works in real time. In this way all communications between all the car systems are digital and synchronized, and in this way the “wiring harness” of the vehicle is minimized, and consequently the weight and cost of the vehicle is saved.

The conceptual design of this “network” is very open, so it can be applied to any type of car, truck, or vehicle in general. And this system would integrate and process information from all the vehicle's systems and sensors.

The idea seems very good to me and if it is implemented it would change the cars of the future and would greatly simplify their integration. At the moment the project is supported by the German government, and it remains to be seen what other governments will do. Standardization is a good thing that benefits everyone, but it remains to be seen if others join in on this good idea.

The implementation of CeCaS in the cars of the future would offer endless advantages:

• Improved road safety: Centralized processing of information would allow better detection and prevention of accidents.
• More comfortable and personalized driving: The vehicle would adapt to the driver's preferences and road conditions.
• New services and applications: New connected services would be made possible, such as autonomous driving or intelligent traffic management.
• All car systems would be easier to update, as happens today with computers
• Greater vehicle efficiency: Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions could be optimized.

CeCaS is an ambitious project that has the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. Despite the challenges it presents, integrating a supercomputer system into future cars opens up a world of possibilities to improve vehicle safety, efficiency, comfort and connectivity.

And the question that arises for me is: will others join in on this very interesting project for the future of the automotive industry?