As modern vehicles evolve into software-driven platforms, automotive manufacturers face a growing challenge: how to effectively test and validate innovative concepts before investing in production. To address this, intive’s SIMBA Embedded framework steps in, creating a seamless connection between virtual development and physical vehicle components.
Closing the Simulation-Hardware Gap
While prototyping tools have advanced significantly, most pre-development teams still struggle to connect their virtual prototypes with real-world hardware. SIMBA Embedded fills this gap by enabling pre-development teams to bring future concepts to life.
Unlike typical testing solutions, SIMBA Embedded is built specifically for pre-development scenarios. It allows manufacturers to experience tomorrow's innovations today, testing functionality and user experience before committing to costly production runs.
Without this bridge, many prototype features would remain purely theoretical. Imagine testing a vehicle prototype where drivers can't see their speed, battery status, or temperature readings because the simulation can't access real vehicle signals. SIMBA Embedded solves this problem through bidirectional communication with practically every component in the vehicle.
A Comprehensive Hardware Ecosystem
The foundation of SIMBA Embedded is the Canny hardware platform, a modular system with four key components:
- CannyLX – The heart of the system, serving as the gateway between computing devices and embedded hardware. Running a customized Yocto Linux distribution, it hosts the SIMBA Message Broker while providing direct, low-latency connections to vehicle networks.
- CannySwitch – Provides robust connectivity to Automotive Ethernet, enabling logging, reading, and modifying ethernet data streams within the vehicle.
- CannyCU – Available in two variants (CannyCU-18 and CannyCU-26) that can be equipped with specialized modules for flexibility and adaptation to specific requirements.
- Canny Microhardware – A collection of compact, specialized components like the 2C2L-USB adapter, CannyLIN, CannyRelay, and CannyButton, designed for specific applications where space is at a premium.
The system's versatility extends through its support for all major automotive communication protocols, including CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and Automotive Ethernet. This comprehensive coverage enables SIMBA Embedded to interact with virtually any vehicle component, from steering wheels and seats to mirrors, lights, and beyond.
Turning Simulations into Real-Time Interactions
What makes SIMBA Embedded truly special is its ability to not just read data but actively control vehicle systems. This two-way communication creates a whole new level of integration for development teams.
In autonomous driving development, for example, SIMBA Embedded can adjust seat positions, manage steering feedback, control climate systems, and operate mirrors – all in perfect sync with the simulation running on the development computer.
This level of control transforms static demonstrations into dynamic, interactive experiences. While most concept vehicles at automotive shows follow predetermined sequences with limited interaction, SIMBA Embedded enables complete control that feels like using the final product – even though it's running through a development PC connected to the car's components.
Real Vehicles, Real Data, Real Insights
One of SIMBA Embedded's greatest strengths is enabling scientific testing in actual vehicles rather than simulated environments alone. This produces far more valuable data for validating new concepts before market launch.
Manufacturers can conduct comprehensive studies in vehicles that have been modified to prototype future features. In a recent collaboration with a premium automotive manufacturer, this capability was showcased in an international market study. The automaker needed to test an innovative concept simultaneously in China and the USA, requiring a fully functional test vehicle rather than just a simulation. intive equipped the prototype with four specialized Canny boxes, enabling comprehensive control of everything from seat positioning and steering wheel adjustments to exterior mirrors – all seamlessly managed through the SIMBA framework.
The Power of Software and Hardware Integration
SIMBA Embedded isn't a standalone solution – it's a vital component of the broader SIMBA framework, working in perfect harmony with the software elements. At the center of this setup is the CannyLX, which can directly host the SIMBA broker. This makes it not only the heart of the hardware framework, but also the core of the software layer – enabling seamless communication between physical vehicle components and the SIMBA software environment.
This integration creates a complete end-to-end solution, allowing automotive manufacturers to source their entire UI/UX pre-development ecosystem from a single partner. The result is a more cohesive, efficient development process with fewer integration challenges and compatibility issues.
Ready for Tomorrow’s Technologies
As automotive technology continues to evolve, so does SIMBA Embedded. The framework adapts to new challenges and opportunities, with development paths that align with emerging industry trends including artificial intelligence applications.
The integration potential with AI-driven systems opens particularly exciting possibilities. SIMBA Embedded's architecture supports innovative use cases that connect AI capabilities with physical vehicle components:
As automotive technology continues to evolve, so does SIMBA Embedded. The framework adapts to new challenges and opportunities, with development paths that align with emerging industry trends including artificial intelligence applications.
The integration potential with AI-driven systems opens particularly exciting possibilities. SIMBA Embedded's architecture supports innovative use cases that connect AI capabilities with physical vehicle components:
- Speech dialog systems that process voice commands and trigger physical adjustments to vehicle settings through the framework
- AI analysis of passenger comfort that generates suggested seat positions, with adjustments implemented through vehicle systems when approved
- Intelligent climate control that responds to both voice commands and environmental sensors
- Context-aware exterior mirror positioning based on driving conditions and driver preferences
These AI integrations represent just a few of the forward-looking applications made possible by SIMBA Embedded's ability to bridge virtual intelligence with physical vehicle control.
A Specialized Solution for Complex Challenges
What truly sets SIMBA Embedded apart is its focused approach to a specific industry challenge. Few solutions bridge the virtual-physical gap so effectively in automotive pre-development.
For automotive manufacturers, the benefits are clear:
- Accelerated development – Concepts come to life at a very early stage
- Enhanced realism – The real world connects seamlessly with the virtual development environment
- Superior results – More reliable testing leads to better outcomes
- Faster time to market – Issues are identified and resolved earlier in the development cycle
Experience the Future Today
intive's SIMBA Embedded framework represents a transformative approach to automotive pre-development. By connecting virtual innovation to physical reality, it helps manufacturers accelerate development while reducing risks.
Want to see how SIMBA Embedded can transform your automotive development process? Connect with intive's automotive experts to learn more.
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