Hightec, Elektrobit And Infineon Unite To Advance Automotive Software With Rust-Autosar Integration

Highcore

HighTec EDV-Systeme, Elektrobit and Infineon Technologies have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating automotive software innovation by enabling the integration of Rust applications with AUTOSAR Classic basic software.

As ecosystem partners within Infineon Technologies’ Drive Core for its AURIX™ microcontrollers, HighTec and Elektrobit are jointly launching a development bundle designed to simplify and accelerate software development for the automotive industry. The bundle includes Elektrobit’s EB tresos AutoCore and HighTec’s automotive-grade LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ compiler, specifically tailored for the AURIX TC4x families of microcontrollers.

Through this close integration, embedded software developers will gain seamless access to all necessary tools and software in a single package. The solution is geared towards enabling the use of Rust for functional safety applications, even in the most complex automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs).

Rust is increasingly being recognised as a critical programming language in automotive environments due to its performance, reliability and memory safety. Its strong safety attributes are especially relevant as the industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles and prepares for evolving cybersecurity and functional safety regulations such as UN R155 and the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

By combining HighTec’s ISO 26262 ASIL D-certified Rust compiler with Elektrobit’s AUTOSAR Classic basic software, the collaboration enables a hybrid development model. This allows new software components developed in Rust to operate alongside existing C/C++ code, reducing risk while maintaining compliance with stringent safety standards.

The Drive Core software bundle for Infineon’s AURIX TC4x includes the complete toolchain to start development: EB tresos configuration tool, Infineon MCALs and an extensive set of examples and tutorials for building AUTOSAR components in Rust.

Additionally, Elektrobit’s EB tresos has been enhanced to support clean and efficient Rust development, aiming to minimise or eliminate the need for "unsafe" code. The integration offers a robust toolchain capable of generating system-access code while also supporting advanced static analysis tools like Rust’s Clippy and automatic code formatting. This strengthens safety assurance and improves development productivity.

HighTec’s Rust and C/C++ compiler, based on the well-established LLVM open-source framework, is the first Rust compiler developed specifically for Infineon’s AURIX TC3x and TC4x microcontrollers. It includes advanced architecture-specific optimisations and a rapid build system designed to facilitate the development and certification of safety-critical software.

Infineon, which boasts the industry’s largest Microcontroller Abstraction Layer portfolio, continues to embrace an ecosystem approach to foster innovation and scalability. Its Drive Core software bundles are designed to provide foundational support for modern automotive software development, combining microcontrollers, basic software and extensive tool support into a cohesive development platform.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in the integration of modern programming languages like Rust into traditional automotive software frameworks, aligning with the industry's growing focus on safety, security and performance.

Patrick Will, Senior Director of Automotive Software, Infineon, said, "We believe that Drive Core is a game-changer for the automotive industry, and we are excited to see companies such as HighTec and Elektrobit leveraging it to drive innovation."

Florian Bartels, Senior Expert and System Architect at Elektrobit, said, “By taking Rust to the AUTOSAR Classic environment, Elektrobit continues to drive innovation in the automotive software industry. Rust’s inherent safety features and its seamless integration into existing AUTOSAR Classic environments make it a perfect fit for modern ECU development, enabling developers to create reliable, secure and high-performance automotive software.”

Mario Cupelli, CTO, HighTec, said, “Our partnership with Elektrobit empowers automotive customers to build safer and more efficient software solutions. By offering our proven Rust compiler along with Elektrobit’s tools in a comprehensive bundle, we give automotive suppliers and OEMs a competitive edge.”

ARAI - Digital Lab

The Digital Twin Lab, established by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with Micelio and IIT Guwahati Tech Park, has now become completely operational.

The lab, supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), enables simulation-led development for electric vehicles (EVs) to help startups, MSMEs and car manufacturers accelerate design, validation and deployment. Its capabilities will be showcased at Micelio’s Global Clean Mobility Summit 2025.

The facility uses a ‘Hub-and-Spoke' model, with the hub at ARAI in Pune and two spokes: one at Micelio Discovery Studio in Bengaluru and the other at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. It became fully operational in June 2025.

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said, “ARAI is proud to announce the strategic expansion of its Digital Twinning services across India, extending from the western region to the eastern and southern parts of the country. As India advances towards a future of intelligent and sustainable mobility, ARAI remains committed to empowering OEMs, startups, and automotive innovators with cutting-edge mobility solutions. We are grateful to the Ministry of Industries for their continued support in driving technology-led green mobility initiatives. We also deeply value our collaboration with Micelio, our trusted partner in this endeavour and look forward to a successful journey in broadening ARAI’s national footprint.”

The lab offers digital twin modelling for EV components, including battery packs, motors and drivetrains. It provides virtual validation environments that can simulate conditions such as wear-and-tear and energy consumption. This is supported by Hardware-in-Loop testing systems and AI/ML-based simulation tools.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder & Director, Micelio Mobility, said, "This lab represents a fundamental shift in how India approaches EV innovation. By providing access to advanced digital twin infrastructure, we are reducing time-to-market and development costs, while also enabling a new generation of Indian EV innovators to compete globally while developing solutions specifically tailored to Indian conditions and requirements."

The facility allows startups and MSMEs to validate their concepts and refine designs without large capital investments.

Sona Comstar Partners NEURA Robotics For Joint Development Of Industrial Robots & Humanoids

MaVI Neura

Tier 1 supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEURA Robotics, Germany to jointly develop technologies, components and sub-assemblies.

The partnership will also focus on the industrialisation of robots and humanoids for the Indian and other agreed markets. The tie-up comes as intelligent automation sees growth in industrial and humanoid robots, driven by developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and falling computing costs. Sona Comstar, which focuses on electric powertrains, will work with NEURA Robotics to provide automation solutions across industries and create products manufactured in India.

Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO, Sona Comstar, said, “We are excited to partner with NEURA Robotics to drive the next wave of innovation in industrial and humanoid robotics. This collaboration aligns with our vision to expand beyond the automotive domain, into a broader mobility space, supporting the future of intelligent manufacturing and service industries. By combining Sona Comstar’s engineering and manufacturing expertise with NEURA’s pioneering cognitive robotics technologies, we are well-positioned to deliver world-class solutions for the global market.”

David Reger, CEO and Founder, NEURA Robotics, said, "At NEURA Robotics, we believe true progress in robotics comes from strong partnerships that unite technology, engineering, and purpose. The collaboration with Sona Comstar represents the convergence of two innovation leaders: one redefining mobility, the other reimagining intelligent robotics. Together, we will set new standards for innovation and scalability in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”

AJAX Engineering Deploys AI-Based Personalised Video To Support Dealer Network

Ajax Engineering

AJAX Engineering, a leading manufacturer in the construction equipment sector, has begun trialling a new method of connecting digital sales leads with its dealer network using personalised video messages. The project uses the IMPACT platform from AiVANTA to automate the process.

The initiative addresses the challenge dealers face in converting online inquiries, which often lack context. AJAX now sends each incoming lead a short, automated video containing the customer's name, the product they are interested in and contact details for the closest dealer, including a Google Maps link. The videos are available in regional languages and offer quick actions such as calling the dealer, booking a demonstration, or requesting details.

Delivered immediately via WhatsApp and email, the videos allow dealers to respond to customers with context. Early results indicate the communication can improve conversion rates from leads and increase visits to dealerships.

Karan Ahuja, Co-founder and CEO, AiVANTA, said, "Our collaboration with AJAX Engineering demonstrates how personalized, tailored video communication can transform dealer ecosystems. By bringing personalisation and regional accessibility into the lead journey, we are helping OEMs and dealers work in closer alignment to serve customers better."

The move by AJAX reflects a growing trend in dealer-led industries to use digital engagement tools to support physical interactions. By linking online inquiries and dealership visits, AJAX intends to improve customer experience and help dealers achieve sales outcomes.

Ansys Partners With Maker Bhavan Foundation To Boost STEM Education In India

Ansys - Make Bhavan Foundation

Ansys, now part of Synopsys, has formed a strategic partnership with the US-based non-profit Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF) to enhance STEM education for students at Tier-2 engineering colleges in India.

The collaboration will grant students in MBF’s Tinkerers’ Labs – the supported makerspaces – access to cutting-edge simulation tools from Synopsys’ Simulation and Analysis portfolio, alongside the Ansys Learning Hub. This initiative is specifically designed to provide students in these institutions with resources that match those available at top-tier engineering colleges.

Under the new Synopsys-MBF Simulation Education Program, students and faculty at up to six selected institutions will initially receive academic teaching licences for Ansys' multiphysics simulation solutions.

Damayanti Bhattacharya, CEO, Maker Bhavan Foundation, said, “This collaboration levels the playing field for students who might otherwise be overlooked. Each lab equipped with world-class tools is a promise to these young engineers that innovation has no boundaries of geography or privilege.”

Beyond providing software, Ansys will offer technical mentorship, coordinate hackathons and workshops and support training for both faculty and students. MBF will manage the implementation, acting as the liaison between the institutions and Synopsys to ensure effective tool usage and track learning outcomes.

Mike Yeager, Area Vice-President, India and Japan, at Ansys, part of Synopsys, said, “We are proud to partner with MBF in building a strong talent pipeline for the future. By bringing global technology to local classrooms, we are empowering students in India to innovate and solve real-world problems.”

This initial one-year partnership is viewed as the start of a long-term plan, with both Synopsys and MBF intending to extend the engagement to more institutions if successful, thereby increasing the impact on India’s innovation ecosystem.