Browse Topic: Connectivity
Precision agriculture, also known as smart farming, was once reserved for early adopters or large-scale operations, but is now an expectation within the farming industry. Across various regions and farm sizes, smart farming techniques are changing the way crops are planted as well as how they are monitored and harvested. However, farmers today are under increasing pressure to reduce labor, decrease chemical inputs, conserve water and operate in tighter windows. Couple this with factors such as narrow seasonal windows, productivity demands and safety considerations, and the need for smarter decisions becomes imperative. Going one step further, global food demands and environmental pressures are further increasing demand for precise, accurate and intelligent farming solutions.
The convergence of highly capable edge AI models and advanced commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) edge AI accelerators is reshaping how computation is deployed across defense, aerospace, and commercial platforms. Mission-critical decisions increasingly must be made at the edge, onboard vehicles, satellites, and infrastructure nodes, where latency, connectivity, and power availability are constrained.
Today's defense operations are defined by mobility, speed and data. Whether coordinating ship-to-shore logistics, maneuvering ground forces, or enabling autonomous and semi-autonomous systems at the tactical edge, reliable communications are no longer a support function - they are mission-critical. Defense forces must operate across fixed and mobile environments while maintaining secure, high-bandwidth connectivity amid interference, jamming, and limited spectrum availability. Legacy approaches, typically optimized for either static infrastructure or limited mobility, struggle to meet these combined requirements.
Achieving full vehicle autonomy is not just about adding sensors or compute - it requires a fundamental shift in how vehicles are architected. Autonomous systems rely on higher-resolution sensors, massive processing power, and the ability to fuse data from multiple sources in real time. Centralized in-vehicle architectures, which consolidate computing and enable sensor fusion, place unprecedented demands on connectivity. Precise time synchronization across systems becomes critical, as does advanced control to ensure safe and reliable operation. Any delay or data loss can impact decision-making, making robust, resilient communication links essential. High-performance connectivity is the backbone of this evolution. It must deliver the highest bandwidth to handle massive streams of sensor data, support long-reach connections across the vehicle, and maintain error-free performance even in the most challenging electromagnetic environments. This combination of speed, reach, and reliability forms the foundation that enables higher-level ADAS and ultimately autonomous driving to move from concept to reality.
This standard specifies the system requirements for an on-board vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety communications system for light vehicles1, including standards profiles, functional requirements, and performance requirements. The system is capable of transmitting and receiving the SAE J2735-defined basic safety message (BSM) [1] over a dedicated short range communications (DSRC) wireless communications link as defined in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1609 suite and IEEE 802.11 standards [2] to [6].
This document provides vehicle-level data collection, data analysis, and data verification procedures that may be used to verify that an instrument under test (IUT) satisfies the vehicle-level requirements specified in the SAE International (SAE) J2945/1 standard. For the purposes of this recommended practice, “vehicle-level requirements” primarily consist of those requirements which can be verified external to the vehicle. The IUT for these procedures is a configured dedicated short range communications (DSRC) vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) device as defined in SAE J2945/1 and is installed on a light vehicle. While the IUT is conceptually separated from the vehicle it is installed on, the tests outlined in this document are primarily vehicle-level so the terms “vehicle” and “IUT” can generally be considered interchangeable. Additionally, non-vehicle-level complementary tests, not included in this document, are required to verify that the entire set of requirements specified in SAE J2945/1 is satisfied. This document also includes a traceability matrix to provide traceability between SAE J2945/1 sections and the test procedures. This can be used to ensure thoroughness of testing coverage. The SAE J2945/1 sections that are included in the scope of this revision in this document are indicated in Table 1. SAE J2945/1 major section numbers that are indicated as N/A do not contain any requirements (subsections may include requirements). Sections that are not in scope, such as standards profiles, are expected to be tested and verified as part of device-level certification, prior to vehicle-level testing, which is the primary focus of this document.
Modern vehicles require sophisticated, secure communication systems to handle the growing complexity of automotive technology. As in-vehicle networks become more integrated with external wireless services, they face increasing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This paper introduces a specialized Proxy based security architecture designed specifically for Internet Protocol (IP) based communication within vehicles. The framework utilizes proxy servers as security gatekeepers that mediate data exchanges between Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and outside networks. At its foundation, this architecture implements comprehensive traffic management capabilities including filtering, validation, and encryption to ensure only legitimate data traverses the vehicle's internal systems. By embedding proxies within the automotive middleware layer, the framework enables advanced protective measures such as intrusion detection systems, granular access controls, and protected over-the-air (OTA) update channels. This strategy enhances both data security and system isolation, creating protective boundaries between critical vehicle operations and potential external attacks. The architecture particularly excels in supporting Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity, facilitating seamless information exchange between vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and pedestrians. This capability is essential for enhancing roadway safety, optimizing traffic flow, and supporting autonomous driving technologies. The system incorporates dedicated proxy modules for specialized protocols including Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), Diagnostic Over Internet Protocol (Doip), and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), each fulfilling specific functions in vehicle diagnostics, software updates, and telemetry data management. Performance evaluations will measure latency and throughput metrics to validate the architecture's efficiency and reliability. The framework's modular design aims to provide scalability and adaptability to accommodate both technological advancements and emerging security challenges. The proxy-based security framework presented offers a holistic and forward-looking approach to safeguarding in-vehicle networks. It provides automotive manufacturers with the tools to develop connected vehicles that combine intelligence and efficiency with robust protection against diverse cybersecurity threats.
With the rise of AI and other new digital technologies on the horizon, ACT Expo 2026 will be a crucial intersection for industry leaders to map out the route ahead. Since 2011, ACT Expo has served as a meeting point of technology and business discussions for the commercial vehicle industry. The 2026 show in Las Vegas (www.actexpo.com) is shaping up to be another important waypoint for the industry as it continues to grapple with new technologies, regulations and other significant challenges. This year's agenda program builds on ACT Expo's long-established emphasis on clean transportation and places an increased focus on the digital frontier, including AI, autonomy, connectivity and software-defined vehicles. Truck & Off-Highway Enginering interviewed Erik Neandross, president of the Clean Transportation Solutions group at TRC, about what topics are emerging as the main trends heading into 2026 and what he thinks will be some of the most important themes of the upcoming convention.
Over-the-Air (OTA) update technology has come forth as a transformative aider in the domain of automotive technology, allowing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier-1 suppliers of Electric vehicles (EVs) to frequently make software modifications, enhancements, and bug fixes that are essential to optimize the performance of powertrain components such as the motor controller unit (MCU), Battery Management System (BMS), and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). This facilitates them to remotely supply updates to the vehicle firmware and software by giving inputs of calibration data without requiring physical access to the vehicle. However, as OTA updates have a direct impact on vehicle’s performance, safety and cybersecurity, a stringent validation methodology is of prime importance prior to deployment process. This paper explores the integration of Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) simulation into the OTA validation pipeline as a means to ensure reliability, safety, and functional correctness of updates before they are applied in the field. We present a structured approach of combining HIL systems with OTA workflows, wherein a virtual vehicle environment is simulated in real time to reproduce a replica of the actual operating conditions for the target ECU under test. The OTA update is injected through a simulated or physical OTA backend and transmitted to the control unit interfaced within the HIL loop. This setup facilitates the emulation of update scenarios including firmware re-flashing, configuration updates, security checks, and rollback mechanisms under controlled, observable conditions. Key advantages include the ability to inject faults, monitor system response, verify communication integrity, and perform automated regression tests without risking physical prototypes or production vehicles. This integration of OTA and HIL not only enhances pre-deployment validation but also lays the foundation for continuous development and in-field update strategies in connected EV platforms. The proposed framework can be scaled to multiple ECUs and integrated with CI/CD pipelines for automated nightly testing. Future work will explore combining this setup with Digital Twin environments and Machine Learning-based anomaly.
With the rapid advancement of connected vehicle technologies, infotainment Electronic Control Units (ECUs) have become central to user interaction and connectivity within modern vehicles. However, this enhanced functionality has introduced new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. This paper explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the cybersecurity framework of infotainment ECUs. The study introduces AI-powered modules for threat detection and response, presents an integrated architecture, and validates performance through simulation using MATLAB, CANoe, and NS-3. This approach addresses real-time intrusion detection, anomaly analysis, and voice command security. Key benefits include zero-day exploit resistance, scalability, and continuous protection via OTA updates. The paper references real-world automotive cyberattack cases such as OTA vulnerability patches, Connected Drive exploits, and Uconnect hack, emphasizing the critical need for AI-enabled proactive cybersecurity frameworks.
Automotive Over-the-Air (OTA) software updating has become a cornerstone of the modern connected vehicle, enabling manufacturers to remotely deploy bug fixes, security patches, and new features. However, this convenience comes with significant cybersecurity challenges. This paper provides a detailed examination of automotive OTA update security and the software store (software Applications & services store) mechanisms. I discuss the current industry standards and regulations, notably ISO/SAE 21434 and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations UN R155 (cybersecurity) and UN R156 (software updates) and explain their relevance to secure OTA and software update management. I then explored the Uptane framework, an open and widely adopted architecture specifically designed to secure automotive OTA updates. Next, OTA-specific threat models are analyzed, detailing potential attack vectors and corresponding mitigation strategies. Real-world case studies are presented to illustrate both the risks and the successful deployment of secure OTA systems in the industry. I conclude with insights into best practices for implementing a robust, compliant OTA update ecosystem, emphasizing a global perspective on regulations and the need for continuous vigilance throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
With the increasing connectivity of modern vehicles, cybersecurity threats have become a critical concern. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) play a vital role in securing in-vehicle networks and embedded vehicle computers from malicious attacks. This presentation shares about an IDS framework designed specifically for POSIX-based operating systems used in vehicle computers, leveraging system-level monitoring, anomaly detection, and signature-based methods to identify potential security breaches. The proposed IDS integrates lightweight behavioral analysis to ensure minimal computational overhead while effectively detecting unauthorized access, privilege escalation, communication interface monitoring etc. By employing a combination of rule-based and OS datapoints, the system enhances threat detection accuracy without compromising real-time performance. Practical series deployments demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in mitigating cyber threats in automotive environments, ensuring safer and more resilient vehicle systems.
The rapid evolution of modern automotive systems—powered by advancements in autonomous driving and connected vehicle technologies— pose fundamental challenges to design and integration. A specific challenge of these highly interconnected, software-driven systems is in ensuring their safety while avoiding spiralling costs and development times. This challenge calls for a more structured and rigorous approach to safety assurance than traditional methods. Traditional safety cases tend to take a linear, justification-focused approach that mainly focuses on positive assertions —compliance to safety —while giving limited attention to potential weaknesses, or gaps in supporting evidence. This practice may lead to criticism that such arguments are “too positive,” portraying an overly biased or optimistic view of system safety without sufficiently acknowledging areas of unresolved risk. As a result, conventional approaches for developing a safety case may overlook complex interactions, assumptions, and uncertainties that require critical examination, not default acceptance. As opposed to traditional methods of developing safety cases through justification, the dialectic approach emphasizes critical analysis and scrutiny of weak points using open challenges, counterarguments, and alternative perspectives. It encourages a deliberate effort to explore not just what works in a design, but what might fail— anticipating negative aspects, design vulnerabilities, and areas where safety assumptions may fail. Rather than simply validating assumptions, it aims to uncover hidden flaws, inconsistencies, and evidence gaps that could compromise system safety. Constructing a safety case early in a project, and allowing constructive criticism through dialectic argument, transforms the safety case into a living, questioning tool that evolves with improving system understanding—becoming increasingly transparent, robust, and credible. In the paper, we demonstrate 3SK’s practical application of a dialectic methodology for developing safety cases. By this approach, we were able to pick out important safety gaps that would otherwise have gone unnoticed, hence enhancing the completeness, credibility, and robustness of our safety assurance practices.
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