QNX provides operating system for BMW's 'Neue Klasse', deepens developer access
BlackBerry QNX is to provide the real-time operating system for BMW's "Neue Klasse". The company is also deepening its collaboration with research and education.
This robot arm can be controlled via a game controller. The software was created with QNX's SDP 8.0, which is available free of charge for non-commercial purposes.
(Image: heise medien / André Kramer)
The QNX division of Canadian firm BlackBerry has presented technical details on its integration into BMW's “Neue Klasse.” Besides the automotive sector, QNX software is now also in use in robotics systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.
(Image:Â BMW)
QNX as a foundational layer for BMW's “Neue Klasse”
For BMW's upcoming “Neue Klasse” vehicle generation, QNX is to provide the real-time operating system and the safety-critical foundational layer. The partnership, established in 2021, originally focused solely on the development of a Level 2/2+ autonomous driving system, which remains part of the scope.
The vehicle architecture relies on four central computers, known as “superbrains.” They control clearly defined functional areas: automated and assisted driving, infotainment, driving dynamics, and vehicle operation and functions.
Within these computers, QNX runs as the operating system and virtualization layer, strictly separating safety-critical functions like driving assistance or braking control systems from non-safety-critical software like infotainment via the QNX Hypervisor.
(Image:Â BMW)
QNX software free for non-commercial use
To gain broader market access and familiarize more users with the platform, the BlackBerry division is also attracting researchers and students through the “QNX Everywhere” initiative.
The company is thus making its Software Development Platform 8.0 (SDP), a cloud-based development platform for digital cockpits, available free of charge for non-commercial purposes.
QNX has issued over 10,000 licenses to date and entered into more than 100 academic partnerships with universities in India and North America, among others, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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Hardware support for Raspberry Pi 5
Through its website and the Gitlab software development platform, the manufacturer intends to offer pre-built open-source packages and optimized portings for Raspberry Pi 5, among others. Developers will be able to use the software locally and self-hosted. QNX also offers free online training sessions covering the fundamentals of real-time operating systems, scheduling, inter-process communication, and system design.
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