• What are the most effective system architectures for separating safety-critical functionalities like emergency braking from non-critical features in AVs?
• How can we validate and verify the consistent performance of safety-critical systems across different software updates and hardware configurations?
• What role do safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, ISO/TS 5083, UL 4600) play in defining acceptable trade-offs between innovation and system reliability?
• How do we address potential failure modes where non-critical system issues cascade into safety-critical domains?
• In collaborative AV development involving multiple suppliers, how can OEMs ensure end-to-end safety integrity across all subsystems?

As AVs transition from research labs to public roads, ensuring the reliability of safety-critical functionalities, such as emergency braking, becomes paramount. These systems must operate with uncompromising quality and consistency, regardless of the complexity or number of other vehicle functions running in parallel. This presentation explores strategies to maintain the integrity of safety-critical systems while managing the growing landscape of non-critical features in AV platforms. We will discuss engineering principles, software architectures, and quality assurance techniques that safeguard emergency systems without compromising system performance or innovation. The talk will also highlight challenges in harmonizing different safety levels within the vehicle and offer insights into best practices for aligning with international standards like ISO 26262 and ISO/TS 5083.

In this session, you will learn more about:

• Methods to isolate and prioritize safety-critical systems, such as emergency braking, in mixed-criticality environments
• Approaches to maintain system-wide quality without degrading the performance or integrity of life-saving functions
• Insights into standardization and compliance frameworks that support consistent development and validation of AV safety features