Denso and BlackBerry's first integrated HMI Platform deployed in Subaru

Denso Corporation and BlackBerry today announced the first integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface) digital cockpit system with BlackBerry's QNX technology has shipped in the first vehicles by Japanese OEM, Subaru. 

The technology christened Denso ‘Harmony Core’ will be available first in the United States from last quarter of 2019 in the all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback (U.S. model). The platform is co-developed by BlackBerry and Denso, in collaboration with Subaru. The digital cockpit solution uses BlackBerry's QNX Hypervisor (virtualisation) technology to enable integrated control of in-vehicle HMI systems. The technology was first revealed at CES in 2018, which uses a blend of advanced software and human interaction creates a seamless automotive user experience as data-driven connected vehicles become our reality.

At present, 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. 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," said John Wall, SVP and general manager, BlackBerry QNX.

According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global automotive digital cockpit market is expected to have an estimated value of $41.15 billion (Rs 295,745 crore) by 2026 (CAGR of 13.67% between 2019-2026).  The research also reports that growth in the ADAS market and increasing demand for electric vehicles is the major factor for the growth of this market.

Atsushi Hayashida, director, Head of Cockpit Systems Business Unit, Denso said: “We are very pleased to launch the first integrated HMI platforms in the world with BlackBerry and Subaru. 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.”

Tatsuya Okuno, vice-president and chief general manager of Engineering, DIV.1 of Subaru Corporation said: “Subaru is synonymous with innovation, quality and building trusted vehicles that customers can rely on. Together with Denso and BlackBerry, we are excited to introduce the integrated HMI cockpit systems in the all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback (U.S. model). This is a world-first in new automotive digital experience seamlessly combines the cluster, head unit, infotainment system, and entertainment screens with the class-leading safety Subaru is known for.  We are excited to roll-out the Harmony Core HMI technology in future car models with BlackBerry and Denso.”

Subaru becomes 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.