Qt launches novel HMI software framework to develop next-gen digital cockpits

The solution offers a turnkey approach for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) seeking to develop their human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to run for example on AUTOSAR architectures.

Accelerated digitisation within the automotive industry has led to increased customer demand for digital cockpits that provide consumers with a much more immersive experience, with advanced features. According to Grand View Research, the compound annual growth rate of global automotive digital cockpits is expected to hit 8.8% through 2028, and automotive OEMs are hunting for well-organised and affordable approaches to develop these advanced in-vehicle experiences.

With the latest addition from Qt for MCUs, Qt can now be developed and deployed to any automotive grade Microprocessing Units(MPUs) and Micro Controller Units (MCUs). The solution can be used across any operating system or software platform environment, including the likes of INTEGRITY RTOS, QNX Neutrino RTOS, Android Automotive OS, and Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), as well as the newest addition to the Qt offering, AUTOSAR CLASSIC.

The collaboration of Qt and Bosch enables OEMs to build out the entire digital-cockpit, and for the first time, Qt for MCU enables Qt HMI to be deployed on top of the AUTOSAR CLASSIC platform. OEMs can maximise the efficiency of graphics compute and safety while reducing the bill of material (BOM) cost. Development needs can also be scaled up and down when using Qt, and software developed with Qt is reusable and scalable source code. It improves productivity, and reduces the product time to market.

The collaboration eliminates the need to buy additional hardware as all features such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and electric mirrors can be enabled on a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). The rich user interface for MPUs and MCUs as a result of the HMI and AUTOSAR integration will give the end user unparalleled visuals when making use of both safety-critical and non-safety critical HMIs within the digital cockpit.

“Due to evolving customer demands for digital experience in automotive, Qt is pleased to now be able to announce a collaboration with Bosch that will offer their customers a solution-ready digital cockpit”, said Miao Luo, Head of Automotive and Design at The Qt Company.

“This new approach will enable consumers to have access to the advanced digital cockpit features as demanded by the current state of the industry, bringing memorable experiences to all vehicle users. The ability to run a hybrid MPU and MCU model means OEMs will be able to squeeze more compute from the hardware, saving cost and increasing the benefits. We are developing a highly competitive and customizable HMI platform for the digital cockpits, and already we are seeing commercial production adoption by the OEMs.”

The collaborative work between Qt and Bosch will be introduced at Embedded World (visit Hall 4, Stand 4-258). Those visiting the stand can also learn more about the Outrun demo, which showcases some of the multi-screen digital cockpits that can be built with Qt. Other highlights at the event include Framery, a connected soundproof pod, an industrial robotic arm that showcases the improved features of Qt Design Studio, and a coffee machine featuring Qt’s touchscreen UI digital advertising solution.

Qt is used by more than 1.5 million developers in companies across the world. And with productivity as its cornerstone, Qt empowers companies to meet the increasing software market requirements driven by the exponential growth of the IoT market and the stagnant growth of available software developers. Qt puts next-generation user experience at the heart of product development, streamlining designer-developer processes and feedback cycles to ensure a higher success rate in delivery.