BMW reveals how 4 supercomputers will power its next-gen EVs
What's the story
German luxury carmaker BMW has announced its upcoming "Heart of Joy" technology, which is set to revolutionize the automotive industry.
The tech will be integrated into the company's new Neue Klasse series of electric vehicles.
At its core lies a groundbreaking supercomputer system, comprising four high-performance computers known as "Superbrains."
These Superbrains are designed to manage key vehicle functions including driving dynamics, infotainment systems, automated driving capabilities, and core operations such as climate control and vehicle access.
SDV transition
A leap toward software-defined vehicles
The introduction of the Superbrains marks a major shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
This new electronic architecture enables continuous software updates and enhanced computational efficiency across BMW's future model lineup.
The company says that this advanced system provides over 20 times the computing power of current vehicle generations, improving overall performance and functionality.
Superbrain roles
The supercomputers will enhance driving experience
The four Superbrains have their own roles to play in improving the driving experience.
The "Heart of Joy" is BMW's first fully BMW-developed driving dynamics control system, which integrates motor and chassis control, responding 10 times faster than current systems.
Meanwhile, the Automated Driving Superbrain combines all autonomous and driver-assistance functions into a single control unit with 20 times the computing power of previous models.
Core functions
Infotainment and core vehicle functions
The Infotainment Superbrain, aka BMW Panoramic iDrive, operates on BMW Operating System X. It handles infotainment, navigation, and AI-driven voice interactions.
Meanwhile, the Core Vehicle Functions Superbrain manages climate control, lighting, vehicle access, and remote software updates. It integrates up to 100 functions into a single system to provide a seamless experience to the user.
Network and platform
BMW's global software network and cloud-based development platform
BMW has invested in a global software network of 10,000 IT and software experts. The company is dealing with over 1,000 software modules and 500 million lines of code.
To handle this humongous task, BMW has created its own CodeCraft cloud-based development platform, which supports up to 75,000 virtual CPUs while processing an impressive 200,000 software builds per day.
Wiring innovation
Zonal wiring architecture reduces weight and enhances efficiency
BMW is also integrating a revolutionary zonal wiring architecture that reduces 600 meters of wiring. This leads to a 30% reduction in overall weight.
The wiring system is divided into four zones—front, center, rear, and roof. Each zone has its own controller to manage data flow efficiently inside the vehicle.
BMW is also introducing Smart eFuses, which will replace up to 150 traditional fuses with digital, programmable ones. These fuses will allow selective power distribution, improving energy efficiency by 20%.