TomTom IndiGO: A software platform for everyone

The Dutch mapping specialist TomTom has introduced its new software platform IndiGO, which is set to be the world's first open digital cockpit for automobile manufacturers. The system aims to bring the users' digital lifestyle seamlessly and securely to the dashboard and enable access to various vehicle functions. The platform integrates all displays into a single user interface, providing access to climate control, the audio system, extensive vehicle system settings, and the latest apps and services, according to the company.

The control is set to be operated via voice and touch, including controls on the steering wheel. Through online connectivity, the system can deeply integrate with the vehicle system and realize an intuitive user experience that improves over time. At launch, industry giants like Access Company, Amazon Alexa, ART S.p.A., Bosch, Cerence, Cinemo, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, Faurecia Aptoide Automotive, iHeartRadio, Intellias, and Rightware are on board as partners.

“With TomTom IndiGO, it is easy for automobile manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers to integrate the Amazon Alexa Auto SDK into their digital cockpit software platforms," believes Christian Mentz, Director Alexa Automotive International.

According to Goddijn, the system is intended to provide a platform for automobile manufacturers to implement modern software development principles such as rapid prototyping, quick implementation, and continuous development. In this context, automakers and their software partners are expected to work efficiently together, integrate innovations continuously, and make incremental improvements.

"Over the years, we have learned that vehicle software development for automobile manufacturers can be a lengthy and costly process. With IndiGO, we provide automakers with a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective development environment to create digital experiences that only take a fraction of the usual time and cost," explains Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom.

Profiles are Automatically Recognized

The new digital cockpit platform automatically recognizes the drivers’ profiles based on their smartphones and adjusts the driver’s menu accordingly. It considers preferences and apps and synchronizes the calendar on request to guide the user to upcoming appointments. IndiGO is capable of covering all in-vehicle infotainment displays (IVI) and offers a comprehensive app store from specialized partners. The system recognizes and considers external factors, such as the vehicle's location. This allows drivers and passengers to safely send messages to friends, access entertainment options, or use leading applications and programs, the provider advertises.

Remote Control via App

Remote control is also provided for. Companion apps from automobile manufacturers can easily connect to the software platform to pre-condition the vehicle or check the charging status. The platform also integrates the latest Navigation for Automotive and Electric Vehicle (EV) software. The so-called "cloud-native hybrid navigation" combines fast and up-to-date route planning with extensive searches, new maps, and precise range and route information for electric vehicles.

Sensors can also be Integrated

Unlike other digital cockpit platforms, IndiGO allows integration of vehicle systems, including vehicle sensors. This makes it possible to display reliable and practical information in conjunction with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), improve the calculation of the estimated range, and prepare the battery of electric cars for faster charging.

A New Era of Software and IVI Development?

The system provides automakers with the basis for developing "immersive brand experiences" that are meant to continually surprise users, while also offering lower risks, reduced costs, and shorter time-to-market compared to alternative solutions, the manufacturer claims. The system intends to provide a framework for harmonious collaboration among software engineers, development partners, user experience teams, and brand teams of automakers. The system is delivered ready-to-use, with a fully functional user interface. Customers are entirely free to modify and expand the modular software platform, as TomTom grants them access to IndiGO's source code.

Comes with Pre-configured Tools

The flexible platform, designed for various surfaces and hardware configurations, comes with a range of powerful tools for development and customization. This allows automakers and suppliers to create custom user interfaces that are not distracting. Long before a vehicle goes into production, the software runs on standard hardware with simulated hardware interfaces so the end product can be tested and optimized before delivery, the Dutch company outlines.

Development Costs Reduced by 80 Percent?

Through such pre-integrated, user-tested modules and modern, collaborative workflows, the company claims to be able to drive efficient and reliable software development with the aim of reducing development costs for automakers by up to 80 percent.

IndiGO is based on the popular Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and is provided through a flexible and scalable SDK (Software Development Kit) and user-friendly APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The adaptable platform can be used globally across multiple brands, vehicle lines – whether entry-level, volume, or premium class – and vehicle types, the provider claims.

"Supported by a growing community of global and local partners and app developers, the system goes far beyond the limitations of other digital cockpit software development platforms. It offers an open and secure space for all - automakers, system integrators, software development companies, and service providers - to share existing applications and jointly develop new ones that can transform their business model," the manufacturer summarizes.

The open partner ecosystem creates opportunities for manufacturers to open up new revenue streams, makes it easy for developers to get started, and supports them with a helpful SDK that includes powerful APIs, comprehensive documentation, and code samples.

"We see TomTom as an important strategic partner for DCS and are thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate. Our integration on TomTom IndiGO aims to enable simple and convenient charging for electric vehicles on the go," explained Jörg Reimann, CEO, Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, highlighting the collaboration.

Microsoft is also impressed. TomTom leverages the advantages of Microsoft Azure as the underlying cloud platform to ensure high availability and reliability, praises the US software giant. Simultaneously with the introduction of the IndiGO software platform, Rightware and TomTom are launching an unprecedented partnership for the development of HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) in vehicles.

"The seamless interaction of IndiGO and Kanzi One Toolchain for creating user interfaces allows automakers to combine the unique design capabilities and graphic performance of Kanzi with the power of the IndiGO software platform. The result is an engaging digital cockpit for vehicles with Android Automotive Infotainment that can be delivered much faster and more cost-effectively than previously possible," says the provider.