The Shift2SDV (Shift to Software Defined Vehicle) project aims to revolutionize the European automotive sector by creating an ecosystem for the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV).

Its ambition is to move beyond the limitations of current monolithic systems toward a modular, flexible, and microservice-oriented framework that promotes agility and innovation across the entire automotive value chain.

The project’s key objectives are both technical and strategic. It seeks to develop a modern, flexible microservice-based architecture that supports a gradual migration from current designs while ensuring secure configuration and updateability.

A primary goal is to create a framework that simplifies the development of brand-specific, differentiating applications, thereby reducing time and costs. Central to this effort is guaranteeing the system is “safe and secure” by establishing an architecture compliant with functional safety standards considering ISO 21434 and ISO 26262.

The project will also realize an efficient orchestration system to intelligently manage the vehicle’s shared resources, such as computing power and memory, ensuring that safety-critical functions are always prioritized. Furthermore, it aims to deliver a framework that seamlessly integrates on-board (edge) computing capabilities with cloud and back-end services, allowing workloads to be shifted where it is most efficient. The viability of the developed middleware will be validated through practical, concrete use cases.

Shift2SDV is expected to deliver a state-of-the-art middleware and reference architecture.

This software framework will abstract the underlying hardware by providing a set of reusable, independent microservices for building automotive applications.

It will also provide a unified software development kit (SDK) thath includes:

– tools and APIs to simplify software development, integration, and updates

– compatibility assurance with both existing and future technologies.

The project will define open standards and interfaces to:

– foster interoperability

– reduce vendor lock-in.

Through this collaborative effort, Shift2SDV aims to

– strengthen European leadership in the SDV sector

– drive innovation and economic growth.

As a Partner in the consortium, Abinsula SRL is a key contributor to the development of several of the project’s technological components.

Starting from technical and market needs. Abinsula will engage directly in technology development, focusing on Microservice management (I1), where the company will explore integrating technologies like Kubernetes and Docker and Safety and Security (F3).

Other areas of involvement include the In-Vehicle Communication Middleware (E1), where Abinsula will work on integrating the Shift2SDV stack into its own Linux distribution, Ability.

Abinsula will also contribute to the Multimedia API (D1) by defining requirements and developing components for a cloud-connected human-machine interface (HMI).

The project is a significant collaborative effort, coordinated by Michael Karner (Virtual Vehicle) and bringing together key players from across the European automotive and technology sectors. The consortium includes a wide range of major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as BMW, Ampere (Renault Group), DAF Trucks, and associated partners like Mercedes-Benz and CARIAD (Volkswagen Group). It also features prominent Tier 1 suppliers like Robert Bosch, Continental Automotive, Valeo, and ZF Friedrichshafen, alongside leading technology and semiconductor companies including NXP and Thales.

The collaboration is further strengthened by the participation of numerous innovative SMEs, universities, and research institutions from across Europe.