Elektrobit (EB) partners with Canadian University on Urban Vehicle Project

June 5, 2014

Elektrobit (EB) has partnered with the Universite de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, to develop a new urban electric vehicle with autonomous driving technology. EB’s development software played a key role in the overall design of the university’s concept vehicle — Vehicle Urbain Electrique (VUE). The company’s EB GUIDE 5.5 development platform allowed Sherbrooke’s project team of computer and electrical engineering students to integrate a variety of intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems into the car.

EB and Sherbrooke will present urban concept vehicle at 2014 International CES in Booth #3034 – North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center

LAS VEGAS, Jan 7th, 2014 – Elektrobit (EB) has partnered with the Universite de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, to develop a new urban electric vehicle with autonomous driving technology.
               
EB’s development software played a key role in the overall design of the university’s concept vehicle — Vehicle Urbain Electrique (VUE). The company’s EB GUIDE 5.5 development platform allowed Sherbrooke’s project team of computer and electrical engineering students to integrate a variety of intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems into the car.

EB’s software, for example, helped develop a fully digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system based on the QNX® Neutrino Realtime Operating System and vehicle diagnostic displays.

“With EB GUIDE 5.5, we were able to create a multi-modal HMI that includes driver assistance information from the vehicle’s radar and sign detection systems”, notes Luc Maurais, the VUE’s project manager. “EB’s software is easy to use and supports multiple platforms. In addition to free EB GUIDE licenses, EB also provided us with remote training and technical support. All of which was a huge benefit for the team on our way to bringing VUE to the road.”

Project VUE launched in 2012 with the conversion of a standard Smart ForTwo automobile into an electronic, fully-connected vehicle focused on improving reliability of the battery, power supply and other electronic systems. Begun in early 2013, the next development stage is designed to increase in vehicle “intelligence”, including improved user experiences with integrated fully functional instrument cluster.

Future development objectives will include the extension of driver assistance functions for completely autonomous driving and voice control with EB GUIDE Speech Target Framework (STF), as well as the integration of EB navigation solutions.

“A compelling infotainment system is a key to the success of any electronic vehicle,” said Martin Schleicher, vice president of Automotive Strategy and Infotainment Products at EB. “Only the combination of in-car data such as battery status with other information including navigation will make intelligent, truly ecological resource management possible.

“With EB GUIDE 5.5, the VUE team is equipped with the right tools to develop an HMI system that enables the intuitive interaction between driver and car, as well as the integration of dynamic content to ensure systems are always up to date. As a “Lithium-level” partner of VUE, we are happy to provide EB GUIDE tools and to offer support for project objectives such as the integration of driver assistance systems and voice control.”

 “The progress the VUE team has achieved in such a short time is impressive, and we are proud to support them with QNX OS technology, tools and training. The VUE project car offers a preview of what is possible in terms of autonomous driving and connectivity, and demonstrates the value of supporting educational programs with state-of-the-art software tools,” says Jin Xu, global education program manager, QNX Software Systems.

EB and the VUE project team will display the vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Booth #3034, North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.  (January 7-10, 2014.)

Further Information:
Manuela Papadopol
Global Marketing Director
Tel. +1 425 444 2771
Email: Manuela.Papadopol@elektrobit.com

Philipp Hanke
Weber Shandwick for EB
Tel. +49 89 380 179-48
Email: phanke@webershandwick.com

Larry Weis
Autocom for EB
Tel. +1 248 647 8621
Email: lweis@usautocom.com

You can find press reports for EB at: www.elektrobit.com/newsroom/

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Elektrobit (EB)
EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales from continuing operations in 2012 totaled MEUR 185.4. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.elektrobit.com

Elektrobit (EB) – Automotive Software
EB represents one of the most important suppliers of embedded software solutions for the automotive industry. In addition to the development of innovative products, it also specializes in services and consulting for the automotive industry, supplying implementations of serial software solutions for a broad range of AUTOSAR and FlexRay, infotainment, navigation, HMI and driver assistance systems. EB continues to invest in feature integration and development tools so that the in-vehicle devices get to market more quickly and ship in volume sooner. www.automotive.elektrobit.com.