The Record - Issue 20: Spring 2021

27 platform will provide quicker access to new functions and digital services. Both companies intend to make the new software platform available for first vehicle prototypes by 2022. In addition, Microsoft has expanded its partnership with Volkswagen Group, collaborating with the firm’s automotive software company CARIAD to build an Automated Driving Platform (ADP) on Azure. Microsoft says that CARIAD will use the service to simplify its development processes in an effort to “bring automated driving solutions to the Group’s cars even faster”. Through the partnership, the two companies will address some of the challenges facing automated driving – such as the vast amount of data needed to train machine learning algorithms used in advanced driver assistance systems – by using one database which comprises real traffic data from the Group’s vehicles, as well as simulation data. Microsoft says that the ADP will “help reduce the development cycles from months to weeks and efficiently manage the huge amount of data”. “This is the next evolution of our foundational work with the Volkswagen Group to enhance their transformation as a software-driven mobility provider,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) at Microsoft. “The power of Azure and its compute, data and AI capabilities will enable Volkswagen to deliver secure and reliable automated driving solutions to their customers faster.” Image: Bosch