SOVD, Autonomy, and Automotive Standardization with ASAM

In this enlightening episode of Point B, Steve Schwinke delves into the world of automotive standards with Ben Engel and Ahmed Sadek from ASAM (Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems). The conversation explores how standardization is driving innovation in the mobility space, particularly in autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles. From facilitating data exchange to enabling faster development cycles, the guests shed light on the critical role of standards in the evolving automotive landscape. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating industry-wide standards, the importance of collaboration, and the impact of these standards on the future of transportation.

Ben Engel is the Chief Technology Officer at ASAM, driving standardization in the automotive industry. With over 5 years of experience, he focuses on developing standards for autonomous driving and ADAS. Ben champions collaboration among industry stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial role of standards in advancing innovation and safety in automotive technology. 

Ahmed Sadek is the Product and Technology Manager at ASAM, leading software-defined vehicle and simulation standards. With over a decade of experience, including roles at Qualcomm and Capgemini Engineering, Ahmed brings extensive expertise in autonomous driving software development, control systems design, and vehicle dynamics modeling to his current position in automotive standardization.

[00:00:00 - 00:08:59] The Power of Standardization in Mobility

• Standards are crucial for enabling collaboration in the autonomous driving industry.
• ASAM facilitates the exchange of data and collaboration among various industry players.
• Standardization has evolved from a dry topic to an agile, research-driven process.

[00:09:00 - 00:15:59] Software-Defined Vehicles: A New Era

• The shift to software-defined vehicles is changing the approach to diagnostics and data collection.
• High-speed connectivity has led to an exponential increase in vehicle-generated data.
• Standards like SOVD aim to facilitate data exchange between vehicles and the cloud.

[00:16:00 - 00:22:59] SOVD: Revolutionizing Vehicle Diagnostics

• SOVD (Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics) adapts to the new service-oriented architecture of modern vehicles.
• SOVD allows for dynamic capability description, reducing the need for constant updates.
• The standard fits well with product-based approaches to OTA and data logging solutions.

[00:23:00 - 00:29:59] Navigating Conflicts and Compromises in Standardization

• Successful standards balance industry-wide suitability with flexibility for individual companies.
• ASAM aims to involve a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure standards have weight and relevance.
• Conflict resolution and neutrality are crucial aspects of ASAM's role in standard development.

[00:30:00 - 00:36:00] The Future of Autonomous Driving and Trust

• Collaboration between different industry sectors (e.g., automotive and telecommunications) is increasingly important.
• Trust in autonomous vehicles will gradually build as people become more familiar with the technology.
• Cautious optimism and rigorous testing are necessary for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.

"Standards are the key enabler to allowing people to work together."
- Ben Engel

"The suppliers want to monetize the data, but how do we reach the point of monetization is not really a differentiating point for the OEMs. This is where standards will come in."
- Ahmed Sadek

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