As infotainment systems become central to automotive design and consumer demand for seamless mobile integration grows, automated testing platforms are crucial for ensuring their reliability and innovation, writes Andor Miles-Board, Marketing & Business Development Manager, NextGen Technology.
Infotainment systems have become a pivotal factor in customers’ car purchasing decisions. With digital connectivity deeply woven into everyday life, consumers demand seamless integration of their mobile devices with their vehicles. This trend is driving automakers to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to create advanced infotainment systems that stand out as key differentiators in the industry. As highlighted by concepts like Audi Activesphere, BMW Neue Klasse X, Mercedes MBUX CLA Concept and the Stellantis Chrysler Synthesis, the focus has shifted from traditional performance metrics like horsepower and acceleration to the interior and occupant experience. This change reflects a broader industry trend where the needs and desires of the occupants shape the space, architecture, and functions of vehicles.
Integration of Mobile Technologies
Technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have transformed how customers interact with their cars, integrating mobile phone apps and ecosystems directly into the driving experience. This integration has driven automotive engineering and product development towards creating unique OEM experiences for each brand. Automakers are increasingly adopting “software defined vehicles” to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and meet the growing demand for sophisticated infotainment features.
Investment in R&D
The surge in R&D investment is reshaping the traditional automotive product development process. Automakers are channelling their resources into developing cutting-edge infotainment systems, integrating artificial intelligence and 5G connectivity to enhance the customer experience. These advancements promise a more seamless and connected driving experience, aligning with today’s consumer expectations.
Automated Testing: A Critical Component
Given the complexity of modern infotainment systems, automotive manufacturers and suppliers are turning to automated testing to expedite the development of reliable systems. Automated testing is crucial not only during the initial development phase but also for post-launch firmware over-the-air (OTA) updates. This approach ensures enhanced system performance and introduces new capabilities efficiently.
Shift from Hardware to Software and Tech-Driven Systems Engineering
The evolution towards software driven vehicles necessitates innovative, customer-centric processes. Consumers today expect the digital cockpit to feature advanced autonomous driving features, personalisation options, and sophisticated infotainment. To meet these demands, automotive companies must transition their R&D processes from traditional hardware engineering to a combination of software and tech-driven systems engineering. This shift also involves adapting to the challenges posed by vehicle electrification, requiring a focus on electrical, electronics, software, and data engineering.
Challenges and Solutions in Modern In-Car Technology
Despite the exciting advancements in infotainment systems, several challenges arise from the increased reliance on software and technology:
Primary Concerns
JD Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) consistently highlight in-car technology as a primary concern for consumers. These studies emphasise how crucial reliable in-car technology has become to the overall customer experience. Problems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the leading causes of complaints, followed by voice recognition (VR), Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation. These issues not only frustrate users but can also lead to negative perceptions of a brand’s technological competence and commitment to quality.
Complications of Modern In-Car Tech
One example of the complexity of modern infotainment systems is the presence of multiple voice active recognition systems, such as Apple Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Echo and the native OEM voice assistants. This can lead to inconsistencies and user confusion, as each voice system may operate differently and offer varying levels of control, functionality and accuracy. Another example is seen in the combination of the infotainment UI, where the native OEM interfaces and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay phone projection modes compete for screen ‘real estate’ and introduce further complexity. Users struggle with navigating through multiple layers and UI differences to access the features they need, leading to frustration.
Connectivity Challenges
Maintaining seamless connectivity while transitioning between different networks, such as from home Wi-Fi to 4G/5G connection, can present significant challenges. Each transition point is a potential failure point for connectivity, which can disrupt the infotainment experience. Wireless screen projection, though convenient, brings interoperability concerns. Devices may not always connect and communicate effectively, leading to startup delays or failures in projection. Similarly, wired screen projection often involves frequent switching between USB and Bluetooth connections, which can be cumbersome and unreliable. The ubiquitous nature of Bluetooth, while generally beneficial, can also lead to audio routing issues, where the sound may not be directed to the correct output device.
Mobile Device Overload
Modern smartphones, while powerful, can become overloaded with multiple tasks, especially when integrated with in-car systems. When overloaded, phones can overheat and behave unpredictably, which can be particularly problematic when relying on them for navigation, communication or media playback. The problem is exacerbated by wireless charging in cars, which can increase the temperature of already stressed devices, leading to even more erratic behaviour and potential device shutdowns.
Interoperability and User Confusion
The integration of various technologies within the car can cause significant interoperability issues. With multiple devices connected simultaneously, managing profiles and ensuring consistent operation across all connected systems can be challenging. Users often find themselves confused about which connectivity methods to use and how to make different devices work together harmoniously. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration and a poor user experience, detracting from the overall appeal of the vehicle’s infotainment system.
How Advanced Test Automation can ensure robust infotainment performance
Teams developing and testing using advanced automated test platforms can now address the complexity and challenges of ensuring a seamless in-car experience. These tools allow infotainment developers and their test partners to leverage the power of automation to provide an end-to-end service that ensures comprehensive coverage of all features and functionalities. By simulating real-world scenarios and automating the reproduction and analysis of issues, these platforms enable test service providers to identify and help resolve potential problems efficiently. This not only reduces development time and costs but also enhances the overall reliability and user satisfaction of infotainment systems. Moreover, advanced automation facilitates continuous testing and integration, ensuring that updates and new features can be rolled out smoothly without disrupting the user experience. Service providers can thus offer a robust and reliable infotainment solution, ultimately contributing to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Modelling Real-World Scenarios
Automation platforms are adept at simulating real-world driving and connectivity scenarios, allowing for comprehensive testing of infotainment systems under various conditions. By replicating the environments and situations that users encounter daily, modern automation platforms ensure that infotainment systems can handle real-life use cases effectively. This thorough testing process helps identify potential issues before they affect end users, enhancing the overall reliability and performance of the systems.
Automated Issue Reproduction and Analysis
One of the standout features of advanced automated testing is the ability to automate the process of reproducing and analysing issues. Leveraging automation ensures that potential problems are identified and addressed promptly, without the need for extensive manual intervention. By systematically reproducing scenarios where problems occur, automation allows the root causes of issues to be identified and allows fixes to be implemented quickly and efficiently, thereby reducing development time and improving system reliability.
Driving the future of infotainment
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with infotainment systems playing a central role in this evolution. As consumers demand more advanced and seamless integration of their mobile devices with their vehicles, automakers must rise to the challenge by investing in R&D and leveraging automated testing to ensure adequate coverage of all features and use cases. By addressing the complexities and challenges associated with modern in-car technology, processes built around automated testing ensure that infotainment systems are reliable and user friendly. The future of automotive infotainment hinges on the industry’s ability to innovate and adapt. With automated testing platforms, automakers can navigate the complexities of modern technology, ultimately delivering a superior driving experience that meets the evolving demands of consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced infotainment systems will remain a critical factor in shaping the automotive landscape and defining the driving experience of tomorrow. Nextgen Technology is a global service provider with facilities in North India supporting automotive developers using its ATAM Connect automation platform. www.nextgen technology.com
Andor Miles-Board
Marketing & Business Development Manager,
NextGen Technology