The automotive industry is undergoing a silent transformation. More and more vehicles continue to evolve well after leaving the factory. They adapt, improve, and gain new capabilities through embedded software updates, often deployed Over-the-Air (OTA).
This approach lies at the heart of the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) model — where software becomes the primary driver of performance, safety, and user experience.
But behind this flexibility lies a formidable technical challenge: every software update, however minor, can impact critical systems — from ADAS and thermal management to human-machine interface and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. That’s why early validation is absolutely essential.
Simulation now plays a key role in anticipating the effects of each update, in a risk-free, fully controlled virtual environment.
SDV: a vehicle in constant evolution
The SDV is built on a modular software architecture. Functions are decoupled from hardware and can be updated dynamically, sometimes in real-time. ADAS behavior can evolve via a new algorithm. Battery usage can be optimized based on current climate. Infotainment UIs can be refreshed to improve UX.
This model empowers carmakers to deliver innovation faster, fix bugs remotely, and extend vehicle capabilities over time.
But it also introduces a new risk: every software update becomes a high-stakes operation. It’s no longer enough to test the new feature — you have to verify that it doesn’t negatively affect other functions or systems.
A single update can have system-wide effects
Take a simple example: an OTA patch that improves the adaptive cruise control algorithm. On paper, it only affects following distance. In reality, it may influence:
- Sensor data processing and object detection
- Driver alerts and HMI behavior
- Brake or throttle strategy
- Interaction with weather or road surface conditions
Without complete functional validation, such changes could introduce regressions or create unforeseen side effects.
Simulation provides the ability to replay hundreds of critical scenarios, in a variety of environmental, traffic, and vehicle conditions — with full observability and reproducibility.
Simulation: the invisible foundation of OTA validation
At AVSimulation, simulation is not an afterthought. It’s designed as a core development and validation environment, offering the ability to:
- Replicate the exact dynamic behavior of the vehicle, including sensors, actuators, environment
- Model complex and risky driving scenarios (emergency braking, poor weather, sudden pedestrian entry…)
- Test whether an update introduces any regressions or side effects
- Validate interactions across modules (e.g. camera perception affecting lateral guidance)
Platforms like SCANeR™ allow engineers to conduct these tests at scale using SIL (Software-in-the-Loop) or HIL setups, depending on the system maturity.
Continuous validation in a CI/CD pipeline
As SDVs become software-first, they also adopt development practices from the software world — continuous integration, automated deployment, agile cycles.
Simulation becomes a critical component of the OEM’s CI/CD pipeline, allowing for:
- Automated scenario-based testing for each software version
- Version-to-version regression analysis
- Early detection of anomalies before production release
- Faster validation loops and reduced cost of QA
This methodology is already mature in aerospace and defense. Automotive is catching up fast — and simulation is a cornerstone of this evolution.
A foundation of trust for SDV innovation
The race is on. Carmakers are investing heavily in post-sale software updates as a new business model and a driver of brand loyalty.
But with this comes a duty: every update must be reliable, safe, and compliant. Any flaw in deployment can have safety, legal, or brand image consequences.
Simulation offers the controlled space to test, refine, and ensure quality before releasing updates to the fleet. It acts as a digital buffer zone, where innovation meets responsibility.
In a context of tighter regulation (ISO 26262, SOTIF, Euro NCAP roadmap), simulation becomes a pillar of agile but safe development.
