HERE launches OTA technology for connected and self-driving vehicles

HERE Technologies has announced the launch of a new over-the-air (OTA) solution for automakers to use in connected vehicles, which is aiming at ensuring data, software and firmware transfer between the cloud and the vehicle is secure.

HERE Technologies has announced the launch of a new over-the-air (OTA)
solution for automakers to use in connected vehicles. HERE OTA Connect
is set to resolve a critical problem ensuring that data, software and
firmware can be transferred between the cloud and a vehicle securely to
update and enhance vehicle functions.

OTA technology is the next big advancement in keeping vehicles safe and
up-to-date with less cost to both automakers and car owners," said Ralf
Herrtwich, SVP Automotive at HERE Technologies. "HERE OTA Connect
provides cost- and time-saving benefits by enabling automakers to update
vehicles remotely, such as in large recall campaigns. It also opens up
revenue streams for automakers by giving their customers the ability to
purchase new vehicle upgrades and features at the touch of a button."

Because
it's designed to integrate into the automaker's backend and uses
open-source technology, OTA Connect can be offered to automotive
customers globally and avoids lock-in to specific vendors. Currently
available as a standalone product, HERE plans to combine OTA Connect
with its suite of automotive software and services in the coming months,
and make the technology available for non-automotive applications,
which could include robotics and drones.

An OTA update is the
wireless delivery and installation of new data or software to connected
devices. Although OTA technology has been used for years by mobile
carriers as a means to update settings and software on phones in their
network, the technology's potential for connected and self-driving cars
is only now being realized. Just like phones, computers and apps, these
cars have code that requires frequent updates"”but the complexity of
their systems and safety requirements make perfecting updates much
harder. A significant amount of software, including millions of lines of
code, will be required as connected and autonomous vehicles chart new
journeys and encounter new scenarios on the road. Automakers also use
connected cars as gathering tools; they provide rich sources of data and
feed this information to the automaker's central system to improve
overall functioning.

HERE OTA Connect is a forerunner in
preventing and mitigating the risks associated with unleashing new
driving technology on roads and highways. The more connected and
automated vehicles become, the more heightened security measures are
necessary. HERE OTA Connect provides an essential link in the security
chain. Its technology uses Uptane, a security framework backed by the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security designed specifically for software
that runs on connected and autonomous cars. Uptane is the first
compromise-resilient security software solution to be discussed at the
international level.

"Safety is top of mind," said Armin G.
Schmidt, Senior Director OTA at HERE Technologies. "With cars, the
stakes are so much higher than mere data breaches. As carmakers develop
connected and self-driving systems, they must also design and operate
their vehicles to keep out intruders. HERE OTA Connect not only provides
a highly secure framework against hacker hijacking, but it speeds up
the process of getting important safety updates out in a cost-effective
and scalable manner."

As conversations about connected and
autonomous cars turn to safety standards and regulations, international
law commissions and government bodies are working to make OTA compliance
mandatory. The U.S. Department of Transportation, U.K. Department of
Transport and the German BMVI are working on national-level legislation
involving OTA updates. On a global level, the UN Task Force (UNECE WP29)
is expected to issue a recommendation in mid-2018, with a resolution
expected in 2019.

Susan Beardslee, Principal Analyst for ABI
Research, stated: "Secure and scalable OTA is foundational to the growth
of driver assisted and ultimately autonomous cars. As updates move from
TCU-based infotainment to ECU-based mission critical operations, there
will be a short list of trusted providers including HERE, that will be
able to make the leap."