Ford Selects Wind River Over-the-Air Update Technology

Wind River, an Internet of Things software company for safety-critical automotive domains, says that Ford Motor Company is using Wind River over-the-air (OTA) update technology. Wind River Edge Sync technology can provide differential updates that allow the ability to minimize data update size, transmission time, and memory usage for updating vehicle software over the air.

By creating what’s claimed to be the most minimal differential update possible during OTA updates, this approach offers the potential for cost reductions as well as an allegedly better experience for consumers.

With OTA updates, carmakers can rapidly deploy secure, cost-efficient updates and new features to connected vehicles, eliminating software recalls and the associated costs. No word on your personal information – what associated companies have and what they do with it.

“Complexity is dramatically increasing as new capabilities are expected from connected, highly intelligent cars, and software is the key to enabling this transformation within the industry,” claims Marques McCammon, vice president of Automotive at Wind River.

In theory the ability to continuously and remotely update, resolve issues and introduce new features for improved customer satisfaction will be more critical than ever. Better yet flaw free software eliminates the problem entirely

Edge Sync is a software framework for remote OTA updates and software lifecycle management that purportedly allows for rapid, safe, and secure updates to software and firmware throughout the vehicle lifecycle, from initial product development through to the end of life of the vehicle. Edge Sync enables rapid solutions for software-related updates, corrections to security vulnerabilities, and feature-related recalls, as well as helps automakers introduce new and exciting value-add features to vehicles that are already in the hands of customers.

Beyond OTA updates, Wind River’s automotive portfolio also includes VxWorks RTOS, tuned for responsiveness, with a proven track record in safety- and security-certified environments. For less critical functions, such as infotainment, Wind River delivers Wind River Linux and other commercial-grade open source technologies, technical support, and maintenance to help customers stay up to date on the latest innovations.

Wind River claims it has built its business in successfully handling intricate matters such as regulations and software integration for systems where failure is not an option.