thyssenkrupp and EDAG Advance Vehicle Motion Control for Software-Defined Vehicles

thyssenkrupp AG and EDAG Group have partnered to develop a demonstrator for Vehicle Motion Control (VMC), a software-driven technology designed to coordinate vehicle movement through centralized control. The initiative is focused on validating the VMC concept across simulation environments, driving simulators, and a fully operational demonstrator vehicle. By combining expertise from both organizations, the project aims to showcase how software can efficiently manage multiple vehicle systems while supporting the growing transition toward software-defined vehicles.

Joint Development Approach for Vehicle Motion Control

The demonstrator combines thyssenkrupp’s experience in steering systems, chassis technologies, damping systems, actuator solutions, and vehicle dynamics control functions with EDAG’s strengths in vehicle engineering, vehicle dynamics, system integration, and complete vehicle architecture development. Through this collaboration, both companies are working to validate how centralized software control can improve coordination between critical vehicle functions and create a more integrated vehicle platform.

Key Functions Integrated Within the VMC System

Vehicle Motion Control operates at the overall vehicle level by coordinating multiple systems that traditionally function independently. The objective is to enable unified control and improved interaction among major vehicle subsystems.

• Steering systems
• Braking systems
• Powertrain functions
• Damping systems
• Vehicle dynamics control features

By synchronizing these functions through software, the demonstrator seeks to highlight the potential benefits of centralized vehicle control architectures.

Expected Benefits for Software-Defined Vehicles

The project is intended to demonstrate how Vehicle Motion Control can reduce system integration complexity while enhancing platform scalability. Manufacturers may also gain greater flexibility in creating distinct driving characteristics and brand-specific vehicle dynamics without extensive hardware modifications. Such capabilities are becoming increasingly important as the automotive industry moves toward software-centric vehicle platforms that rely on centralized computing architectures.

Potential Advantages of the Demonstrator

The development program is focused on validating several operational and engineering benefits that could support future vehicle programs.

• Reduced integration effort across vehicle systems
• Improved scalability for different vehicle platforms
• Enhanced customization of vehicle dynamics
• Support for centralized software architectures
• Transferability across multiple vehicle concepts

Project Scope and Target Applications

The Vehicle Motion Control demonstrator is primarily aimed at vehicles using centralized and software-oriented architectures, particularly within premium and performance segments. However, the development approach has been designed to remain adaptable across different vehicle categories and architectural concepts. Feedback collected during planned customer demonstrations will contribute to the assessment of future development opportunities and potential next-stage implementation strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vehicle Motion Control (VMC)?
Vehicle Motion Control is a software-based system that coordinates critical vehicle functions such as steering, braking, powertrain operation, and damping systems through centralized control. The technology is designed to optimize vehicle behavior at the overall vehicle level rather than managing each subsystem independently. This integrated approach can improve system coordination, simplify vehicle integration processes, and support the development of software-defined vehicles with customizable driving characteristics and scalable platform architectures.

Why are thyssenkrupp and EDAG developing a VMC demonstrator?
The demonstrator is being developed to validate Vehicle Motion Control technology in simulated environments and a fully functional vehicle. The project allows both companies to evaluate how centralized software can coordinate multiple vehicle systems effectively. It also helps assess benefits such as reduced engineering complexity, improved platform scalability, and support for brand-specific vehicle dynamics. Customer feedback from demonstration activities will help guide future development decisions and potential commercialization opportunities.