At Embedded World 2025, Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) showcased significant advancements in integrating RISC-V architecture into automotive applications. A notable demonstration featured AGL’s new Flutter-based user interface operating on the VisionFive 2, a RISC-V single-board computer developed by StarFive. This board is equipped with a JH7110 system-on-chip (SoC), comprising a quad-core 64-bit RISC-V CPU running at 1.5 GHz and an integrated GPU, offering a compelling platform for automotive developers.
The VisionFive 2’s integration into AGL’s platform underscores the industry’s shift towards open-source hardware and software solutions. Priced at approximately $120, this development board provides an accessible entry point for developers aiming to explore RISC-V’s potential within automotive systems. The responsive UI and graphics acceleration observed during the demonstration highlight the board’s capability to handle demanding automotive applications.
AGL’s commitment to open-source principles ensures that all demonstrated features, including the Flutter UI, are available for download. Developers can access these resources on platforms like the VisionFive 2 or Raspberry Pi 5, facilitating experimentation and customization. Comprehensive documentation is provided at https://docs.automotivelinux.org, guiding users through the setup and replication of showcased demos.
The demonstration also featured a telematics gateway collecting data from a demo control panel, simulating various ECU functions. This setup allows for the injection of signals over the CAN bus, with the gateway capturing these signals and integrating them into the middleware via the KUKSA data broker. This architecture abstracts the complexities of CAN bus interactions, promoting application portability across different vehicle models.
AGL’s collaboration with the Elisa Project emphasizes functional safety in automotive software. By focusing on scenarios such as instrument cluster failures, AGL aims to ensure that vehicles respond safely to software anomalies, minimizing risks to occupants. This initiative is crucial as automotive systems become increasingly software-reliant.
The integration of Flutter into AGL’s platform offers flexibility in UI development. Flutter’s open-source license aligns with AGL’s philosophy, enabling rapid development of user interfaces. This adaptability allows developers to tailor the in-vehicle experience, ensuring consistency across various hardware configurations.
AGL’s active participation in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) paradigm is evident through collaborations with organizations like SOAFEE. The implementation of hypervisors, such as KVM, facilitates the concurrent operation of in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems and instrument clusters on virtual machines. This virtualization supports cloud-based development and testing, streamlining the deployment of software updates and new features.
The adoption of RISC-V within the automotive industry, particularly in regions like China, highlights a trend towards open-source hardware solutions. While production-ready RISC-V boards for vehicles may still be a couple of years away, development boards like the VisionFive 2 provide a valuable platform for early exploration and innovation in automotive applications.
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