ECU development

Introducing RemotiveTopology

RemotiveLabs empowers developers with innovative tools to streamline automotive development. Our latest product, RemotiveTopology, enables vehicle virtualization and integration testing directly from a developer’s laptop, using executable specifications to validate functionality early and accelerate collaboration.

September 12, 2024
RemotiveLabs
Vehicle virtualization

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Collaborative & accessible vehicle virtualization

As the automotive industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles, the demand for flexible, efficient, and accessible development environments has never been higher. RemotiveLabs has long been committed to empowering developers in this space, providing the tools they need to thrive. With the launch of RemotiveTopology, we are elevating this mission by offering a platform that combines collaborative vehicle virtualization with executable information.

RemotiveTopology allows developers to move beyond static requirement documents and work with executable specifications — mock entire platforms virtually and validate functionality early, directly from code. This runnable, shareable platform enables seamless collaboration across development stages, whether on a laptop or integrated within a CI/CD pipeline. Teams can start testing immediately, bypassing hardware bottlenecks and maximizing iteration cycles to improve overall platform quality. No more waiting for scarce physical resources — with RemotiveTopology, you can specify, verify, and collaborate from the start.

In this setup, we have hazard lights and turn stalks managed by a central ECU that controls the lights’ behavior. The system consists of 8 ECUs, 2 CAN buses, and 1 SOME/IP network, with the business logic centralized in the Body Control Module (BCM). RemotiveTopology enables virtualization and testing of the entire configuration without the need for physical hardware.

For developers, by developers

The platform’s easy-to-use interface and quick setup process mean that developers can start testing with minimal overhead. RemotiveTopology comes with an example setup, including three ECUs communicating over two CAN buses, and a central ECU controlling the business logic. This setup can be controlled from code, allowing for central orchestration for example using pytest. The setup also includes a Jupyter notebook, providing a graphical interface for even more accessibility. Visit product page for RemotiveTopology.

RemotiveLabs, based in Malmö Sweden, is a spin out of Volvo Cars, today an investor and active customer. Learn how Volvo Cars is already leveraging RemotiveTopology.

Explore case study: Volvo Cars – Mocking an entire vehicle on a laptop.

How RemotiveTopology can accelerate your results

Validate platforms from a functional perspective
The platform allows for the use of executable specifications, enabling architects and developers to specify functionality in code rather than relying on static requirement documents.

Early and efficient testing
By enabling the mocking of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) before the hardware is even available, RemotiveTopology ensures that testing can begin at the earliest possible stage. This capability significantly reduces development time and allows for continuous integration, leading to a more robust and well-tested final product.

Design with flexibility from SW to HW
One of the most significant challenges in automotive software development is the transition from Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) to Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing. The ability to mix and match virtual and physical components throughout the development process ensures that you can maintain a consistent testing environment, reducing the risk of integration issues late in the project.

Seamless integration with simulation and CI tools/environments
RemotiveTopology’s modular setup allows for easy integration with other simulators or real components, such as Synopsys Silver and National Instruments. This means that as your project evolves, you can transition smoothly from virtualized environments to physical setups, whether in test rigs or actual vehicles. From developer’s individual laptops to CI pipelines and RTOS.

Ready to experience the future of vehicle virtualization?

Contact us today to learn more about RemotiveTopology and how it can revolutionize your development process. RemotiveLabs mission is to enable faster, more efficient development processes by offering flexible, modular solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows. Whether you’re working in-vehicle, on test rigs, or in the cloud, RemotiveLabs is your partner in driving innovation and providing your engineers with an environment where they can get-stuff-done in automotive software innovation.