A collective of automotive industry leaders and mobility providers are coming together to create an ecosystem for the development of new mobility software technologies and services, coined the Software République. The group comprising Groupe Renault, Atos, Dassault Systèmes, STMicroelectronics and Thales will work to jointly build software solutions and tech for cities, regions, businesses and citizens, leveraging artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, connectivity, embedded electronics and virtual twin technology.
Three main areas of cooperation for the alliance have been identified:
- Intelligent systems to facilitate secure connectivity between the vehicle and its digital and physical environment;
- Simulation and data management systems to optimize flows for territories and companies;
- Energy ecosystem to simplify the charging experience.
Two examples of topics being discussed by the Software République partners are the following:
Plug and charge – The development of new technologies and services to allow an electric car, connected to a compatible charging point, to be automatically recognized, and to perform a charge without any action by the user.
Optimizing mobility flows for territories – To facilitate access to and simulation of mobility information exchanges, instantaneously and openly across cities and regions to enable users to always select the best means of mobility according to time, comfort or energy management; operators to enhance their services; public authorities to simulate and implement mobility scenarios, such as emergency management and events; urban planners to better anticipate land use planning.
Luca de Meo, chief executive officer at Groupe Renault, commented, “In the new mobility value chain, onboard intelligence systems are the new driving force in which all research and investment is now concentrated. Faced with this technological challenge, we are choosing to play collectively and openly. There will be no center of gravity, the value of each will be multiplied by others. The combined expertise in cybersecurity, microelectronics, energy and data management will enable us to develop unique, cutting-edge solutions for low-carbon, shared and responsible mobility, made in Europe.”
Bernard Charlès, vice chairman and CEO of Dassault Systèmes, said, “Far beyond the automotive sector, it is a question of thinking in terms of use – mobility offering a work and leisure environment that is part of a sustainable economy. This experience economy goes hand in hand with an industry renaissance worldwide: the new mobility economy will be organized into new, collaborative value networks based on digital platforms. The Software République is thus a multi-industry and multidisciplinary ecosystem that aims to accelerate innovation and grow the driving forces of tomorrow. To achieve this, it will rely on the collaborative virtual environment provided by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform and on virtual twin experiences. It will also benefit from the 3DExperience Lab startup accelerator.”
To foster innovation, the group will also seek to create an investment fund to finance the most promising startups and an incubator to host startups in the field of smart mobility technologies, where they will have access to a collaborative virtual development and experimentation environment, and mentoring through a value network.
For the launch of the ecosystem for startups and universities, the Software République partners plan to organize a data challenge to contribute to the development of the technologies for electric, connected and autonomous cars.
Said Elie Girard, CEO at Atos, “Atos is proud to be one of the founding members of the Software République. As a technology creator and integrator of complex solutions, we will make available to this unique ecosystem our digital expertise in reducing the carbon footprint and our innovative technologies in key areas such as artificial intelligence, digital security, cloud, IoT and high-performance computing. Combining the strengths of five of the world’s leading automotive and technology players, this initiative promises to accelerate the decarbonization of mobility.”
STMicroelectronics president and CEO, Jean-Marc Chery, commented, “STMicroelectronics has joined the Software République to bring its innovative semiconductor products and solutions for electrification and digitalization of vehicles and mobility services. Our know-how is an enabler of the ongoing transformation toward more efficient solutions, in line with the expectation of stakeholders in terms of environmental impact. The partnership at the heart of this project will also help strengthen the links across the entire value chain, a key aspect during this phase of the transformation of this industry.”
Chairman and CEO of Thales, Patrice Caine, added, “The Software République brings a joint and disruptive momentum, essential to the mobility ecosystem. Based on a proven experience in digital security in very demanding markets such as transport, banking, defense or aerospace, Thales will share its expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and connectivity to strengthen the protection of vehicles, their data and those involved in mobility.”
Interested parties with collaborative ideas are welcome to put them forward and could also potentially join the Software République initiative.