Transforming Legacy Chassis Systems for the Next-Gen User Experience

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the need to deliver intuitive, personalized, and safe mobility experiences. This shift is not just about technology; it’s also about creating enhanced end user experience. For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), this means reimagining legacy chassis architectures to support future-ready, user-centric innovations.

The Challenges with Legacy Chassis Systems

Today’s decentralized chassis systems are characterized by tightly coupled hardware and software components, complex arbitration strategies, and high development costs. Such architecture makes it difficult to integrate new features and technologies, leading to increased development costs and time-to-market. For instance, various components such as EPAS, steering, braking, and suspension are tightly coupled with their respective Electronic Control Units (ECUs), actuators, and software components. This tight coupling limits the flexibility and scalability of the system, making it challenging to implement new functionalities and innovations.

Key objectives driving this transformation

Scalability and Flexibility: Enable rapid integration of new features without overhauling the entire system.

Personalized User Experience: Leverage AI and data-driven insights to tailor vehicle dynamics to individual preferences.

Cost and Time Efficiency: Reduce development cycles and optimize resource utilization through modular, reusable components.

KPIT’s IVMC Framework: Enabling Centralized Chassis Architecture

A centralized chassis, built on a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by legacy architectures. KPIT’s Integrated Vehicle Motion Control (IVMC) framework provides a structured approach to transition from legacy systems to a centralized, service-oriented architecture. It comprises three layers:

• Applications Layer
• Core Components Layer
• Vehicle Abstraction Layer

This architecture decouples hardware and software, allowing OEMs to introduce new features seamlessly, improve scalability, and accelerate innovation.

AI-Powered Smart Chassis: Driving the Future of Comfort and Safety

The iVMC framework is further strengthened by AI-powered smart chassis features that dynamically adapt to both the driver and the driving environment. These intelligent enhancements are designed not only to elevate comfort and safety but also to deliver a personalized, intuitive driving experience, making vehicles truly intelligent and user-centric.
Key AI-driven capabilities include:

• Predictive Suspension Control that uses road-surface sensing and machine learning to proactively adjust damping for a smoother, more stable ride.
• Driver Behavior Learning that tailors vehicle dynamics to individual driving styles, enhancing responsiveness and comfort.
• Context-Aware Chassis Response that adapts to traffic, terrain, and weather conditions in real time, improving safety and ride quality
• Intelligent Drive Mode Selection that automatically switches between modes like Eco, Sport, or Off-road based on driving context and user preferences.
• Advanced Stability and Cornering Assist that leverages AI to anticipate and mitigate risks during sharp turns or emergency maneuvers.

These features not only enhance the vehicle’s adaptability but also reduce driver workload, improve passenger comfort, and contribute to a safer, more enjoyable journey. As SDVs evolve, such AI-powered smart chassis systems will be instrumental in delivering the next generation of intelligent mobility.

IVMC Reference Platform: Ready for Real-World Deployment

To accelerate OEM adoption, KPIT has developed a reference platform that demonstrates the IVMC framework in action. This platform showcases integrated motion control, centralized arbitration, and AI-driven features, enabling OEMs to validate quickly and reduce time-to-market.

Real-World Results

We’re working with multiple OEMs to help them transition to a centralized chassis architecture using our iVMC framework. One leading automaker has already seen significant benefits from our collaboration, including improved vehicle stability and reduced development costs.

Conclusion

The automotive industry is approaching a significant transformation, necessitating OEMs to adapt to maintain their competitive edge. With the IVMC framework, OEMs can deliver safer, smarter, and more personal driving experiences.

Ready to transform your legacy chassis systems? Connect with us today to learn how we can help you drive innovation and achieve your goals.

Author

Parag Anand Rajne,
Senior Solution Architect, KPIT Technologies