In a strategic shift from being an automotive manufacturer to a leading global mobility provider – powered by software – Volkswagen AG is advancing the development of autonomous driving technology.

The innovative Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) startup, MOIA, a subsidiary of VW, aims to make autonomous on-demand ridepooling a reality in German cities. The service combines the flexibility of private transport with the efficiency and sustainability of local public transport.

This project, which has begun public road-testing in Hamburg in 2025, will see the fully electric. Buzz AD vehicles equipped with complex technology.

Several software and hardware companies must coordinate their control units in the vehicle so that the ID. Buzz AD can drive independently. TRIOVEGA’s task was to connect the three essential control units for autonomous operation via a gateway, and enable multidirectional communication across various protocols and services.

As in all areas in the automotive industry, network communication is subject to the strictest security requirements – data packet loss or delays while driving could have fatal consequences.

»We are TISAX Level 3 certified, which means that we apply the highest standards when handling information from our project partners, and maintain traceable records of every processing step.«

Jendrik Menz, Project Manager VW ID. Buzz AD, TRIOVEGA GmbH

The embedded software solution developed by TRIOVEGA in three phrases – using in-house Proven Project Plan methodology – bundles the tasks in a lightweight communications layer between the control units.

Phase 1: Design and conception
In early 2021, we undertook a lengthy consultation phase, during which TRIOVEGA designed three different solution proposals, based on the requirements defined in cooperation with Volkswagen. TRIOVEGA was involved in the architecture decisions of the overall project, and evaluated various communication standards.

Phase 2: Development
The final decision was for a solution with a SOME/IP framework, a communication protocol developed specifically for automotive systems. The project phase was completed in an agile structure, with clear interfaces to VW and tight feedback cycles, enabling a direct and pragmatic reaction to dynamic changes in requirements.

Phase 3: Implementation
The software was road-tested as early as possible, to enable the VW ID. Buzz AD prototype to be evaluated extensively under controlled conditions. Only a few bugs were identified during the test phase – evidence of the high quality of TRIOVEGA’s work.

»I contributed my experience with SOME/IP, while other colleagues shared their knowledge of gateway and control unit development. The team combined their skills to internally debate solution proposals before presenting three clear options to VW.«

Yasin Alakese, Lead Developer, TRIOVEGA GmbH

Find out more about our technology

Rather than using traditional microcontrollers that need to be programmed with specialized technology, we used modern microprocessors that run a Linux operating system. This was a significant step for innovative MaaS projects such as MOIA and the VW ID. vehicle fleet as updates can be installed over-the-air directly in the vehicle.

At the end of the project, the TRIOVEGA team handed over the implemented solution to the customer with a complete Software Development Kit (SDK). This enabled VW to test, operate, and further develop the software – the ideal solution for complex technical architecture with many dependencies.

Due to the timing of the project in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching these goals was particularly challenging, as onsite collaboration was almost impossible, and all communication took place online. However, despite this limitation, both sides were extremely satisfied with the process.

»We were told that working with us was a completely novel experience – less complicated and more flexible than the big players, yet still absolutely reliable. That was rewarding feedback.«

Jendrik Menz, Project Manager VW ID, Buzz AD, TRIOVEGA GmbH