AWS Launches New Services for the Automotive Industry

AWS Unveils New Automotive Solutions

During its annual re:Invent conference, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced two significant advancements targeted at the automotive sector. These include the launch of AWS FleetWise, a novel service designed to streamline the collection and retrieval of sensor and telemetry data from vehicle fleets. Additionally, AWS introduced AWS Automotive, a comprehensive industry-specific program.

Introducing AWS FleetWise

Automakers have long engaged in sensor data collection. However, AWS FleetWise aims to deliver a complete, flexible solution. Manufacturers can selectively filter data directly within the vehicle to minimize cloud transfer volumes. Alternatively, they can choose to gather data from specific sensors, such as engine temperature, or opt for a complete data download.

The level of data granularity is determined by each automotive manufacturer’s individual requirements.

Image Credits: AWS

According to Mike Tzamaloukas, General Manager of IoT Automotive at AWS, utilizing FleetWise begins with describing and modeling the vehicle and its sensors. This process leverages the open-source Vehicle Signal Specification, which has already seen adoption by numerous automakers.

Data Collection and Campaign Capabilities

AWS provides automakers with the necessary source code to interact with FleetWise and initiate data collection. Developers can then adapt this code for integration into the vehicle gateway. Simultaneously, engineers can establish data collection campaigns to extract data from active vehicle fleets.

“Data collection campaigns offer extensive possibilities, and we are innovating to move beyond time-based or event-based triggers,” Tzamaloukas stated. “We aim to provide intelligent data filtering across entire fleets.”

This approach allows automakers to process the terabytes of data generated by diverse vehicles while improving the signal-to-noise ratio. AWS FleetWise is anticipated to be generally available in 2022, with vehicles incorporating the technology expected to be available for purchase around 2024.

While much of this data will likely reside within the automakers’ internal systems, the potential exists to share select information with drivers, potentially through enhanced monthly vehicle health reports.

AWS for Automotive: A Unified Approach

Dean Phillips, who leads the AWS for Automotive initiative, explained that the program serves to clarify AWS’s offerings to the automotive industry. “AWS for Automotive helps our customers understand the diverse solutions available from AWS,” he said.

These solutions encompass various areas, including: