Prototyping the driver compartments of the future
Prototyping futuristic cockpits at Stellantis
Prototyping the driver compartments of the future! As part of its work on dreaming up the driver compartments of the future for its brands, the Stellantis group was looking to prototype different dashboard concepts complete with various screen configurations, touch-screen surfaces and other mechanical buttons, as well as HMI applications and new related usages.
A huge range of different technologies were implemented here: C++, QT, QML, Systemd and Wayland, as well as integrated smart services such as audio streaming with Spotify, voice commands with Amazon Alexa, GPS navigation and maps with OpenStreetMap and smartphone mirroring with AndroidAuto. Multiple versions of driver compartments that align with Stellantis’ specs have already been delivered and will continue to be enriched with new features.
Smile’s deliverables were quality. The teams succeeded in responding to Stellantis’ needs in a sometimes tricky context (turnaround times, input data, etc.). We were able to fully tap into all the expertise Smile has to offer. We were treated to a quality service, and were able to present our plans and carry out our practical tests with no issues. The results speak for themselves, and we sincerely hope we will be continuing to work together over the long term.
Jacques Klein
Head of TECH/ARAE/TOIP/DMAD/EESW - Stellantis
Strategies for project success: collaborative platform and agile approach
To guarantee project success, a customer team with a range of business and technical skills was established. An iterative testing and integration strategy was deployed, despite a tight schedule, thanks to effective skills sourcing. Agile development facilitated rapid adaptation to change. This process effectively transformed concepts into concrete products, ready for the market.
4
group brands
12
delivered projects
6
weeks = 1 driver compartment
Smile: a trusted partner for Stellantis prototyping projects
Stellantis was more than happy with the results and continues to entrust us with its prototyping projects. Smile succeeded in adapting to a context that required multiple pivots along the way, and hit deadlines on all requested deliverables without ever compromising on quality. The client’s department teams were able to try out the prototypes we delivered in situ at the group’s testing centres.
Smile’s full-stack approach meant we were able to provide a 360-degree solution to the many technical challenges inherent to prototyping next-gen driver compartments. We also set up a working method that allowed us to slash development and vehicle integration times, ensuring deadlines were met: a key consideration in this type of short-cycle innovation-led work.
Rémy Dziemiaszko
Tech Manager
