dSPACE Software-Defined Vehicle Testing Solutions at CES 2026

On December 16, dSPACE announced its participation at CES 2026, where it will highlight software-defined vehicle testing solutions designed to address the rising complexity of next-generation vehicle development. As OEMs increasingly rely on software-centric architectures, dSPACE is positioning its end-to-end validation portfolio to accelerate development cycles while maintaining quality, safety, and scalability.
The company’s showcase focuses on AI-enabled software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop environments that support faster and more reliable validation of vehicle software. These solutions are intended to help engineering teams manage growing code volumes, frequent updates, and tighter integration between hardware and software across vehicle platforms.
Software-Defined Vehicle Testing with AI-Driven SIL and HIL
A core highlight at CES 2026 is dSPACE’s approach to software-defined vehicle testing, combining automation, artificial intelligence, and continuous integration concepts. The company will demonstrate how virtual ECUs can be automatically generated for SIL testing using a development workflow based on Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot.
This approach enables developers to validate software logic earlier in the development process, reducing dependency on physical hardware and shortening iteration cycles. By shifting validation upstream, OEMs can detect integration issues sooner and improve overall software quality.
CI and CT Concepts for Software-Defined Vehicles
For software-defined vehicles, dSPACE is also presenting a continuous integration and continuous testing concept tailored to automotive development.

• The showcased setup includes a GitLab pipeline that is tightly integrated with VEOS, dSPACE’s SIL testing software, and SCALEXIO, its HIL test platform.

This automated pipeline allows software changes to be continuously built, tested, and validated across virtual and real-time environments. Such workflows support faster releases while ensuring that complex software interactions across vehicle domains remain robust and traceable.
Battery Charging and Battery Management System Validation
Beyond core SDV software, dSPACE will also present testing solutions focused on battery charging systems and battery management systems. These solutions support the validation of critical energy-related functions, helping OEMs ensure performance, safety, and reliability as electrification continues to expand across vehicle segments.
By integrating battery-focused tests into the broader validation framework, development teams can evaluate interactions between power electronics, control software, and vehicle-level systems more efficiently.
Radar and Cybersecurity Test Frameworks
Sensor validation and cybersecurity are also part of the CES 2026 showcase. dSPACE will introduce DARTS ARROW, a radar solution designed for functional testing of radar sensors under controlled and repeatable conditions. This supports the verification of perception systems that are increasingly software-driven.
In parallel, HydraVision will be presented as a scalable cybersecurity test framework for vehicle development. It enables structured testing of vehicle systems against cyber threats, supporting compliance and resilience throughout the software lifecycle.
Together, these demonstrations underline how dSPACE is expanding its software-defined vehicle testing solutions beyond pure software validation, covering sensors, energy systems, and cybersecurity within a unified development and testing ecosystem.