3 challenges for the connected vehicle: Safran is on board

Challenge #1: Greater security

With a dozen communication tools (Bluetooth, GPRS…) and around a hundred micro-processors running almost 100 million lines of computer code, the connected car is particularly vulnerable to hacking. From taking remote control of the vehicle to modification of onboard data, hackers have already proven their risk to road safety.

Safran Identity & Security’s solutions directly contribute to preventing these threats. Already deployed in numerous high security sectors such as aerospace, our technologies are able to guarantee the integrity and authenticity of a vehicle’s embedded software systems. In the automotive industry, the PSA group works with Safran to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the software linked to connected navigation and the autonomous telematic box (ATB).

Challenge #2: Greater safety

Reducing the rate of road mortality is another major priority of the connected vehicle. In order to combat drowsiness at the wheel, the number one cause of accidents on European roads, we have built upon our expertise in facial recognition to develop a solution which monitors the driver’s attention level and alerts them at the first sign of fatigue or distraction.

Safran Identity & Security is also taking part in the deployment of different emergency calling standards and provides the eSIMs which allow vehicles to make these emergency calls. In the case of an accident, every connected vehicle will be able to automatically alert the emergency services.

Challenge #3: Enhanced services and comfort

Able to interact with its surrounding environment, the connected vehicle can offer numerous services to its users: Intelligent navigation systems with automatic traffic management, assistance in finding a petrol station or a parking space… and secure contactless payment, in particular thanks to Safran Identity & Security’s biometric payment services and secure digital mobile transactions.

The secure solutions from the MorphoFlex™ range, optimized for the automobile market, allow vehicles to have the best possible cellular connection at all times as well as benefit from secure online and local services.

Driver comfort is also a major priority and represents an important differentiator between manufacturers. Adjustment of the seat height, the steering wheel, the rear-view mirrors and temperature: thanks to facial recognition, the connected car recognizes you as soon as you get behind the wheel and adjusts the car environment instantly.

Towards the autonomous vehicle

For automobile manufacturers, it’s no longer a question of whether or not autonomous vehicles will one day drive on our roads, but when. With its numerous sensors and superior perception of the surrounding environment, the connected vehicle is one of the key steps towards this autonomy.

With its partners, Safran Identity and Security is involved in the development of devices and software solutions which are already ensuring the safety of today’s connected cars and which will make possible the autonomous car of tomorrow. Experts and manufacturers predict the large scale commercialization of level 4 autonomous vehicles (on the NHTSA scale), meaning ones which operate without a driver, by the year 2030.