Drako Tech introduced DriveOS single-ECU real-time automotive operating system

On December 16, Drako Tech introduced DriveOS single-ECU real-time automotive operating system, marking a major shift in how vehicle software architectures are designed and deployed.
DriveOS is positioned as the automotive industry’s first hard real-time operating system built to run on a single ECU while managing vehicle controls, ADAS functions, and the digital cockpit together. By consolidating traditionally separate systems onto one standardized computing platform, DriveOS reduces system complexity, lowers hardware costs, and significantly accelerates development timelines.
DriveOS single-ECU real-time automotive operating system architecture
The DriveOS single-ECU real-time automotive operating system merges multiple vehicle domains into a unified software-defined platform. Instead of relying on multiple ECUs distributed across the vehicle, DriveOS enables centralized processing on a standard PC-grade architecture while maintaining strict real-time performance requirements.
Key capabilities of this architecture include:

• Support for ICE, electric, and hybrid powertrains

• Secure over-the-air software updates across all vehicle functions

• Faster integration cycles due to reduced hardware dependencies

• Simplified system validation and deployment

This unified approach allows automakers and suppliers to scale software features more efficiently while maintaining consistency across vehicle platforms.
HyperSafety framework enhances functional and operational safety
At the core of DriveOS is HyperSafety, a multi-layered safety framework designed to deliver deterministic real-time behavior under all operating conditions. HyperSafety introduces a fault-tolerant architecture that prioritizes system stability even during hardware or software failures.
The safety framework is built around:

• Ultra-fast processing enabled by centralized ECU communication

• Hardware-level isolation to prevent fault propagation

• Redundant system paths to maintain operation during component failures

• Continuous monitoring of internal data flows for error detection

This approach ensures that safety-critical functions remain operational without compromising performance or reliability.
Cybersecurity and AI-based system monitoring
Cybersecurity is addressed through a reduced software footprint and secure hardware partitioning. By minimizing the overall codebase and restricting inter-process communication to internal memory channels, DriveOS lowers exposure to external attack vectors and simplifies long-term maintenance.
AI-driven safety monitoring continuously validates system communications in real time, identifying anomalies before they escalate into functional issues. This proactive monitoring enhances both cybersecurity resilience and operational reliability across vehicle domains.
Linux compatibility without kernel modification
A key differentiator of the DriveOS single-ECU real-time automotive operating system is its ability to support safety-critical applications without modifying the Linux kernel. This allows developers to leverage the full Linux software ecosystem while meeting automotive-grade real-time and safety requirements.
By eliminating the need for multiple ECUs and custom kernels, DriveOS enables faster innovation, lower engineering overhead, and a more scalable software-defined vehicle strategy for future mobility platforms.