Findings from introducing state-of-the-art real-time techniques in vehicle industry

The use of state-of-the-art real-time techniques in industry is still rare. The reason for this is three-folded: (1) the lack of commercially available tools, (2) the lack of methodologies that considers real-time throughout the complete development process, and (3) the lack of competence in real-time theory among industrial practitioners. In this paper we present a case study of introducing stateof-the-art real-time techniques in industry. The case study was done as a collaboration between Mälardalen University and the industrial partners Volvo Construction Equipment AB (VCE) and TietoEnator ArosTech. VCE develops computer control systems for construction equipment vehicles, such as wheel loaders, graders, and articulated haulers. TietoEnator ArosTech is a firm of consultants with expertise competence in the area of embedded real-time systems. We will present both the used methodology and the findings from introducing this methodology in an industrial project. The methodology emphasis is on introducing timing requirements early in the design of a system and it relies on the use of a well defined design language. We will present our findings categorized into methodological aspects, technology transfer, and technical aspects. The main result reported can be summarized as “people, not paper, transfer technology”.