S. Korean researchers develop advanced vehicle operating system

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers on Monday said they have
developed an advanced real-time vehicle operating software system that can fuel
growth of the local automobile industry.
The so-called Reliable-OSEK (ROSEK), effectively regulates all operations of a
car like brakes and engines, and is an integral part of all vehicle manufacturing
processes, the state-run Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
(ETRI) said.
ROSEK was developed in cooperation with domestic firm Autoever Systems Corp., a
development that is noteworthy since it is only the second software system of its
kind ever built to receive accreditation from an international automobile
standard setting body, and could save local carmakers up to 10 billion won (US$8
million) a year in imported components. Germany's ETAS is the only other
manufacturer of the system.
OSEK is a German acronym for Open System Electronics in Vehicles, with 70-100
systems being used in luxury cars.
International accreditation is provided by OSEK-Vehicle Distribute Executive, a
body made up of carmakers including BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Opel, Volkswagen,
Renault and PSA Peugeot Citroen and parts suppliers Bosch and Siemens.
Hyundai Motor Co.'s Genesis uses 70 operating systems, with some Mercedes Benz,
BMW and Toyota Lexus cars using 80-100 systems each.
Daejeon-based ETRI said a total of 4.58 billion won was spent from late 2006 to
develop an indigenous OSEK with a technology transfer deal having been signed
with Autoever, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor's.
"Work is currently being done to check the reliability of the system and once
this process is completed production could start in 2011," an ETRI researcher
said.
He claimed that in addition to saving royalty payments, the development could
promote growth of local carmakers that are striving to make more upper-end,
advanced models.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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