BlackBerry and DENSO developed the world’s first integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface) platform back in 2017 and both companies today announced the first integrated HMI digital cockpit system with BlackBerry QNX technology has shipped in the first vehicles by SUBARU.
The technology, named DENSO ‘Harmony Core’ will be available first in the United States from Autumn 2019 in the all-new 2020 SUBARU Legacy and Outback (U.S. model).
Co-developed by BlackBerry and DENSO, in collaboration with SUBARU, this digital cockpit solution uses BlackBerry QNX Hypervisor (virtualisation) technology to enable integrated control of in-vehicle HMI systems. First revealed at CES in 2018, this blend of advanced software and human interaction creates a seamless automotive user experience as data-driven connected vehicles become our reality.
Today, vehicles are equipped with multiple HMI systems, which require several device-specific operating systems to work in unison. Because the operating systems are independently controlled by multiple microcontrollers, it has not been possible to unite and coordinate them to display content and sound in a uniform way.
The BlackBerry QNX Hypervisor technology enables the independence of several operating systems with different characteristics and controls the integration with one microcomputer.
“Software is the driving force in next-generation automotive design,” John Wall, SVP and General Manager of BlackBerry QNX said.
“As cars become more data-driven and automated, they demand functional, secure and trusted in-vehicle software. A leader in automotive technology, BlackBerry is excited to bring one of the world’s first integrated digital cockpit platforms to market with DENSO in SUBARU’s latest vehicles, helping manufacturers to take advantage of a significant industry trend – the exploding demand for a safe, seamless, digital in-car experience.”
SUBARU is the first vehicle manufacturer in the world to commercially deploy the jointly developed digital cockpit platform, featuring BlackBerry QNX Hypervisor. From September 2019, automobile manufacturers around the world will sequentially launch new car models with the integrated HMI.
This architecture allows various HMI products to cooperate allowing necessary information to be displayed to the correct devices with appropriate timing. For example, it will be possible to communicate a heads-up or a warning through easy-to-understand expressions on the display with the right timing.
Additionally, through cooperation between instrument cluster and navigation center displays, it is now possible to show animation with a sense of unity between the navigation screen in the meter screen. Furthermore, by updating the performance of one microcomputer both devices are updated which contributes to improved increase in R&D productivity and cost reduction.
“We are very pleased to launch one of the first integrated HMI platforms in the world with BlackBerry and SUBARU” said Atsushi Hayashida, Director, Head of Cockpit Systems Business Unit of DENSO.
“With the rapid development of technology for self-driving and electric vehicles, the value of cars is about to change significantly. By collaborating with other companies and research institutes, refining the technology and accelerating product and service delivery to help manufacturers deliver next generation vehicles, DENSO is creating new value for the global Smart Mobility society.”
