Compared to mobile phones that typically have one main chip for software updates, cars can have anywhere from 30 to 150 different chips that require regular software updates. Ensuring that all these chips communicate properly with each other is essential for safe and effective vehicle function. Hemant Sikaria and Mayank Sikaria recognized the need for a platform to manage and prioritize software updates in automobiles, taking into account the critical nature of the auto industry.
Hemant, who previously worked at Tesla in developing the platform for in-vehicle over-the-air updates, co-founded Sibros in 2018. The inspiration behind Sibros came from personal experiences with software-related recalls in Hemant’s own family. Five of their vehicles were affected by software issues, but there was no OTA solution available, resulting in the vehicles having to be physically taken to the dealership for repairs, taking a frustrating five months to resolve. Hemant realized the necessity of a better system for OTA updates in vehicles and aimed to extend the holistic update ecosystem he helped build at Tesla to other automakers.
The auto industry presents unique challenges for software applications due to the diverse electrical architectures and varying standardization across different suppliers. Additionally, the safety aspect of cars requires careful consideration when implementing OTA updates. Sibros set out to address these challenges and has been operational for five years, with backing from tech giants like Google and Qualcomm.
Sibros aims to deploy its platform on one hundred million vehicles by 2030, catering to every type of vehicle, from scooters to trucks, and has customers across multiple continents. With the goal of enabling the connected vehicle ecosystem, Sibros’ platform will be available in over one hundred countries by the end of the year, ushering in the connected car age.
The Concept of Connected Cars
A connected car can be described as a vehicle with a telematics unit similar to a cellphone. This unit allows for the installation of various applications and facilitates two-way communication between the vehicle and a cloud computing network. While this concept is not new, as most modern vehicles have telematics units with SIM cards for specific providers, Sibros’ platform enhances the capabilities of connected cars and enables OTA updates and connectivity to home Wi-Fi networks.
The Value Proposition for Automakers
Sibros operates as a B2B company, catering to automakers as its customers. The platform offers several advantages, including reducing the need for physical visits to dealerships for updates and corrections by enabling OTA updates. Additionally, Sibros provides valuable analytical data on vehicle usage, allowing automakers to make informed decisions for improvements and enhanced customer experiences.
The Benefits for Electric Vehicles
For electric vehicles, Sibros offers real-time critical information on the battery, such as health, performance, and lifecycle data. This data can be correlated with charging behavior, driving style, and environmental conditions, helping automakers optimize battery usage and inform future product development.
