Automobiles are getting more sophisticated and comfortable for passengers as the days are passing by. A myriad of features, devices, and tools play an important role in developing a smart vehicle. But do you know what remains at the core of all these conveniences? Well, software contributes to a great extent to improving your in-car experiences. Whether you are using navigation, ADAS, telematics in insurance, or an infotainment system in a motor vehicle, you are directly or indirectly leveraging a bunch of software. And to ensure these software applications types work just fine in hundreds of thousands of cars, it is necessary to carry out automotive testing thoroughly.
Be informed, automotive computer testing services not only enhance the digitized functions of vehicles but also optimize their response in case of emergencies. That’s not all! Regular testing can save a lot of money and boost automotive apps’ sustainability to function perfectly for a long time. This results in the creation of a better ecosystem for driving.
An Outlook on the Automotive Software Industry
Software is becoming an inevitable part of the automotive industry. It redefines the performance, functionality, and convenience of automobiles. In fact, the electric cars being developed these days come with an in-built software mechanism that controls different things, such as transmission, navigation, and many more. However, their maintenance completely depends on automotive testing services that you select to update and upgrade the software.
Just to let you know, the automotive software market is predicted to grow more than twice in size from $31 billion in 2019 to approximately $80 billion in 2030. It indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate of over 9% for infotainment, connectivity, security, and connected services. It means that the automobile industry is experiencing an unexpected level of technological advancement, innovation, and competition around the world. And while the manufacturers of cars and their parts compete to stay profitable and ahead of others, the contest is being won in the background, over lines of code, right from development to automotive testing.
Challenges in the Automotive Testing Industry
Software testing in the automobile industry is a complicated task owing to the dynamic systems that interact with a wide range of components and environments. And sticking to high standards of quality and safety is a big challenge, as any sort of bug in software can cause:
- Malfunctions
- Failures
- Accidents
What’s more? Automotive testing must factor in the high diversity and variability of software products, driving behaviors, user preferences, and scenarios. Additionally, it must take into consideration the high complexity and interdependency of software systems, as they include several layers, components, and interfaces that interact with each other. Last but not least, dependencies and interactions between hardware and software must be taken into account, and between software and external factors, such as weather, traffic, and network conditions.
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Benefits of Automotive Computer Testing
Software testing in the automobile industry can bring various benefits, not just for developers but end-users too. By leveraging the finest automotive test systems, you can enhance the quality and reliability of software products by discovering and fixing any bugs, defects, or errors that may affect its features, performance, or security. What else? Software testing in the automobile industry can improve safety and compliance by making sure that the software does not pose a threat to users, vehicles, or even the environment. It can also demonstrate and document that the automotive software can align well with the relevant regulations and standards.
Above all, as per an experienced automotive tester software testing can drive down costs and time of development by uncovering and resolving issues early on in the life cycle. Carrying out rigorous software testing also assists in optimizing resources, like CPU, memory, or bandwidth by removing any unnecessary code, data, or functions.
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Reasons to Opt for Automotive Testing Services
Software testing in the automobile field ensures that integrated embedded systems work in alignment with the AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture) standard and stringent safety regulations. It checks the adaptability of in-built features, such as cruise control and tyre-pressure monitoring system to the condition of the road and the comfort of the driver. Let’s see how it improves other requirements, like:
#1 Best Functionality
Functionality is a significant part of software integration testing when it comes to the automotive industry. It is performed thoroughly to make sure that software fulfills low-level and high-level requirements for running manually or autonomously. They act as safety checks that need to cross the benchmark in order to give safety certification.
#2 Reliability
Generally, the capability of a vehicle reduces to a great extent over some time. But this process will slow down if you get automotive testing done at least once in a while. And the most important part? If you opt for automotive software testing services, it will check the entire functionality and enhance the quality of your product by modifying essential features.
#3 Auto-navigation
When it comes to smart cars, autonomous driving & auto navigation play an imperative role in terms of safety. In fact, they enhanced the signaling system of integrated GPS to work without internet connectivity but still offered live assistance for drivers big time. Another advantage, according to an accomplished automotive tester is that updated navigation software can provide clear traffic and weather updates to pay attention to.
#4 Increased Alert System
Here, a seasoned automotive tester performs a worst-case execution time analysis to validate time-sensitive sections of code. For instance, they test the airbag deployment software with several degrees of force to enhance its execution speed and correct scope for performance. In a similar manner, it tests the other important functionalities that should be executed quickly.
#5 Fully-functional ECU
ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit, which is a small device that has firm hand over interoperations, such as:
- Automatic headlights
- Driver seat control
- Keyless start
So, testing these features twice yearly is extremely necessary, especially for cars post five years of purchase because they improve their quality of work for long-lasting.
As per a leading automotive testing company, AUTOSAR is a high standard of quality, which offers a set of guidelines for embedded systems in the automobile industry.
Read More: Automated Testing for Automotive Software
Types of Tests Performed in Automotive Testing
Just so you know, automotive testing services are way more expensive, time-consuming, and consume a lot of repetitive labor work. Fortunately, we have technology that deals with such issues. Take a look at the pointers listed below to perceive multiple ways of autonomous testing:
1. Software-in-the-loop testing
Software-in-the-loop testing inspects the code with a simulation to fix bugs. Doing this decreases the build time to a large extent while enhancing the quality of software as well. It is the main reason many car brands examine their safety and navigation systems deeply using this method before developing the final build of the application.
Some of the benefits of SIL according to an automotive testing firm are:
- Monitoring and reporting of test results is a breeze.
- SIL testing is fast and scalable.
- Enables software to incorporate new functions into current hardware components.
- Most automotive software testing techniques are automated.
- Allows to test every ECU’s code individually and easily.
2. Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Hardware-in-the-loop testing is a bit different from the SIL method for a specific reason. Here, simulators are extensively tested with an ideal output range prior to connecting with the Electronic Control Unit. Doing this mitigates the chance of system failure post installation. Additionally, HIL emulates the cameras and radars with real-time data input, which is why it is very time-consuming and pricey for automotive testing.
Some of the benefits of HIL testing are:
- High safety and reliability
- Fewer chances of system malfunction
- Simulates the whole vehicle function
- Minimizes the need for rigorous testing down the line
- Accommodates several tests simultaneously
Both automotive testing services have a unique set of advantages to enhance quality and brand reputation. It depends on what qualities you want to include in your application.
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Tools and Technologies Used For Automotive Testing
Software testing in the automobile industry requires the utilization of multiple tools and technologies to support and automate the process. Some of the software testing frameworks, like JUnit, TestNG, Cucumber, and Selenium offer a set of rules, guidelines, and libraries for designing, developing, and executing different test cases.
Additionally, software testing platforms, such as Katalon Studio, TestComplete, and Ranorex Studio provide a holistic and integrated environment for handling, executing, and reporting test cases. Next, software testing simulators, such as Simulink, PreScan, and CarMaker offer a digital and realistic representation of the software system and its environment. These tools can aid in simplifying, standardizing, streamlining, automating, improving, and expediting the automotive testing process.
The Endnote
Software testing plays an instrumental role in improving the current performance of the application for better results & speed for a wide variety of industries, including automobiles. Their control panel and Electronic Control Units also require ultra-modern practices to refine the quality over time. Therefore, it is a wise decision to partner with an expert software company like Binmile to get promising automotive testing services and let us improve the robustness and autonomous aspects of your cars.
