Automotive and Device Interoperability Insights

Today, many people connect to their personal devices everywhere they go, including while in the car. Being connected on the road calls for reliable, safe and seamless interoperability between driver, vehicle and electronic devices. Wireless connectivity technology like Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband and cellular (LTE/5G), as well as Apple CarPlay and Android automotive head units, are answering the consumer demand for smart technology that helps smooth this three-way communication. Frustrations arise, however, when that communication breaks down or when shared information is compromised.

Interoperability: The ability of a system to work with or use the parts or equipment of another system

It is not easy to ensure interoperability in a vehicle, given the wide range of devices and technology. Connection failures are relatively common, and they can damage consumer trust and loyalty. Moreover, interoperable technology in the car is more than just playing music, making calls, navigating, and remotely starting your car. It may also include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and camera sensors that collectively provide a greater level of vehicle safety, which means disconnections can also put consumers in danger. For automotive component and device manufacturers, it is imperative to have a third-party such as UL Solutions certify that their mobile and connected vehicle systems work consistently and securely and that they work with products from other manufacturers.

At UL Solutions, we want to help automotive component and device manufacturers reduce problems and provide a positive end-user experience. We help protect brand reputation and drive consumer confidence and trust by evaluating product performance. Our interoperability services include testing automotive infotainment projection — proprietary systems that connect a phone to a car — as well as in-auto Wi-Fi, wireless charging and connected safety systems. We also check for any wireless connectivity concerns between select models of smartphones and infotainment systems and search for update problems that often plague their operating systems. As technology evolves and advances, we help manufacturers look backward as well as forward to maintain compatibility. Through objective and thorough interoperability testing, the experts at UL Solutions can identify, diagnose and report issues to the manufacturer long before their products ever reach the hands of consumers.

By 2025, it's estimated that over 400 million connected cars will be on the road worldwide, and the global connected car market is projected to reach $166 billion (USD).

Customer expectations run high when it comes to interoperability in the car. Like the road beneath them and the engine propelling them down that road, people rely on seamless interconnectivity on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. Hands-free mobile phone use — which is central to the user experience in a vehicle — is not only convenient and useful but also a safety consideration. Today’s consumer expects connected technology to offer seamless communication between driver, phone and car software and systems. UL Solutions can help make sure your technology keeps those communication lanes open.

Learn more about the interoperability testing services at UL Solutions or contact us for more information.