In connected car news are Samsara, Leopard Imaging, Digitial.ai, Anello Photonics, Neusoft, Cerence, Volvo and Google.
In this Article
Dash Cams Deliver Rapid ROI for U.S. Public Sector Fleets
Samsara Inc. released new research demonstrating that AI-enabled dash cams provide a fast and measurable return on investment for U.S. public sector agencies by reducing claims, lowering insurance costs, speeding investigations, and freeing up budget for essential services. The report analyzes survey data from 400 public sector leaders overseeing more than 85,000 vehicles and serving over 100 million citizens, with results showing ROI achieved in months rather than years.
According to the study, 89% of agencies see ROI within six months, 61% within three months, and 68% fully recover their investment within a year. Financial benefits are driven by fewer claims, lower insurance premiums, avoided litigation, and faster cost recovery. In one case, dash cam footage helped a city avoid an estimated $370,000 in legal fees, claim costs, and staff time after a not-at-fault incident.
Dash cams also play a critical role in driver exoneration and risk reduction. Nearly all agencies using dash cams reported exonerating drivers using video evidence, with most seeing meaningful reductions in insurance premiums despite a rising national market. Operational gains include faster investigations, improved driver coaching, quicker resolution of citizen complaints, and reduced administrative burden. The research concludes that dash cams are now a proven, foundational risk-management tool for public agencies, with the cost of non-adoption increasingly outweighing concerns around cost, privacy, or public pushback.
Leopard Imaging 8-Camera GMSL2 for NVIDIA Orin
Leopard Imaging has unveiled the LI-AR0234CSC-GMSL2-120H, a 2-megapixel global shutter GMSL2 camera and scalable 8-camera vision system optimized for NVIDIA Orin platforms. Based on the onsemi AR0234CS sensor, the camera delivers 1920×1200 RAW output with low noise, high-speed capture, and up to 6 Gbps bandwidth, making it suitable for synchronized multi-camera AI perception of fast-moving objects. The system integrates with Leopard Imaging’s GMSL2 carrier boards for Orin NX, Orin Nano, and AGX Orin, as well as a thermally optimized AI box for compact deployments. Supporting up to eight synchronized cameras and NVIDIA’s open SDK, the solution targets advanced edge AI applications including robotics, navigation, 3D scanning, AR/VR, automation, and intelligent vision systems.
Leopard Imaging Compact 12MP MIPI Autofocus Camera Modules
Leopard Imaging will introduce two compact, high-resolution MIPI camera modules—the 12MP LI-OG12B10-MIPI-AF-95D V1.0 based on OmniVision’s OG12B10 sensor and the 12.19MP LI-IMX681-MIPI-AF-96D built around Sony’s IMX681—expanding its mobile and embedded vision portfolio. Both modules feature MIPI CSI-2 interfaces, VCM autofocus, wide fields of view, RAW output, and lightweight form factors, enabling flexible ISP integration across smart devices, wearables, surveillance, machine vision, and 3D imaging applications. Supported by Leopard Imaging’s tuning and engineering services, the modules are designed to accelerate development of space-constrained, high-performance intelligent imaging systems.
Digital.ai Automated Testing for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Apps
Digital.ai announced industry-first support for end-to-end automated testing of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay applications, expanding its automotive software testing platform beyond AAOS and mobile-to-vehicle integrations. The new capability allows enterprises to validate critical in-car app workflows, real-world behavior, and compliance requirements at scale without relying on physical vehicles or complex lab environments. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and consumer expectations for seamless in-car digital experiences rise, the platform addresses mounting challenges around safety standards, regulatory compliance, fragmented testing setups, and software-driven recalls. By unifying automated testing across Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AAOS, and mobile, Digital.ai aims to help automakers and app developers reduce risk, accelerate releases, and ensure consistent, driver-safe experiences across diverse displays, devices, and operating environments.
ANELLO Photonics Secures $20M DoW Award
ANELLO Photonics has been selected by the Department of War for a $20 million FY 2026 APFIT award to fast-track the procurement, production, and scaling of its GPS-denied inertial navigation technology. The award supports rapid transition of ANELLO’s Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope–based solutions into fielded, mission-ready systems capable of operating in contested and degraded GPS environments. Building on prior U.S. Navy and Army SBIR wins, the selection highlights growing defense demand for reliable, GPS-independent positioning, navigation, and timing and accelerates ANELLO’s deployment of high-precision photonic inertial navigation systems at scale.
Neusoft and Cerence AI Voice AI for Intelligent Vehicle Cockpits
Neusoft Corporation and Cerence AI have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on large language model–based voice AI, aiming to deliver pre-integrated, scenario-driven intelligent interaction solutions for automakers worldwide. The partnership combines Neusoft’s NAGIC intelligent cockpit platform with Cerence AI’s strengths in conversational and generative AI to enable more natural, humanlike in-cabin experiences. Leveraging Neusoft’s global development and delivery footprint and Cerence AI’s automotive AI leadership, the collaboration targets global markets and supports automakers in advancing safer, more intuitive, and emotionally resonant mobility experiences.
Volvo to Bring Google Gemini AI to 2.5 Million Older Cars
Volvo announced that vehicles from model year 2021 and newer will soon receive Google’s Gemini AI assistant via a free over‑the‑air software update, effectively bringing advanced generative AI and modern infotainment capabilities to cars up to five years old. The upgrade will expand Volvo’s AI features—originally introduced on newer models with updated systems—to about 2.5 million older Volvos, giving them parity with the latest Google‑powered interface and helping keep older hardware relevant with continuous software evolution.
GlobalLogic and Elektrobit Alliance Accelerates Software-Defined Vehicles
GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, has significantly expanded its long-standing partnership with automotive software pioneer Elektrobit to speed the development and global adoption of software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms. Building on 15 years of collaboration, the alliance goes beyond traditional engineering services to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and production-ready vehicle software. GlobalLogic contributes expertise in high-performance computing, functional safety, cybersecurity, and compliance with ASPICE 4.0 and ISO 21434, while Elektrobit brings leadership in AUTOSAR, in-vehicle infotainment, and connectivity. Together, the companies aim to help automakers accelerate feature development and deploy next-generation SDV solutions across global markets.