The Swedish automotive industry, one of our leading export sectors, has undergone a significant transformation over the past 25 years. In the early 2000s, cars were essentially mechanical products. Today, however, they are little more than computers on wheels, equipped with advanced automation systems. Digital development has run parallel to electrification. In the early 2000s, hybrid cars were revolutionary. Now, almost all major manufacturers have set a date for the complete phase-out of combustion engines.

This development has been made possible through close collaboration between researchers and vehicle manufacturers.

The industry has not undergone this transformation alone. Close collaboration between researchers and vehicle manufacturers has driven development in joint testing and demonstration environments, pilot projects and simulation and verification. Monika Fuller, Head of the Vehicles and Automation Department at RISE, notes that RISE has played a key role in this.

– RISE has generally played a very significant role in the transition of the Swedish automotive industry. If you look at the innovation value chain, we act as the bridge between academia and industry. We carry out applied research, test and validate new technologies in various projects, and help vehicle manufacturers eliminate risks in their development processes,” she says.

Peter Janevik, CEO of AstaZero — RISE's test and demonstration environment for vehicle and road safety — highlights the significant need for expertise among manufacturers seeking to establish themselves in the future market, and the value of engaging an independent research institute.

In practice, the 'software-defined vehicle' trend means that the industry now requires a wide range of skills that it has not traditionally possessed. RISE is a key resource in this area, with expertise in everything from systems development to cybersecurity,' says Peter Janevik.

The Swedish automotive industry benefits from independent technology infrastructures.

In line with the increasing needs of the automotive industry, RISE’s ecosystem of test and demonstration environments has grown. Several of these environments have been specifically established to meet new and future requirements.

A clear example is AstaZero, the world’s first full-scale test environment for future road safety, which opened in 2014. Since then, the facility has undergone further development. For instance, it has been fitted with a 5G network for monitoring vehicles and testing their wireless performance.

– As an independent institute, RISE is better placed than vehicle manufacturers to take a broader view and anticipate future testing requirements. In 2017, AstaZero predicted that new control and monitoring technologies would be required for testing driverless vehicles without a cab for a safety driver, says Peter Janevik.

Over the past ten years, we have developed and refined these methods, creating significant value for the Swedish automotive industry in the process.

Labs serve as hubs for collaboration.

SEEL (the Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory), the electromobility laboratory jointly owned by RISE and Chalmers, is another example of an environment that supports the automotive industry’s transition. Here, technology for electric vehicles, energy systems and batteries is developed, verified and evaluated.

Other parts of RISE also offer expertise relevant to the automotive industry. Materials production is one example. Certain areas of expertise have also evolved in step with developments in the automotive industry,' says Monika Fuller, continuing:

The RISE EMC facility, or the Electromagnetic Compatibility facility, has adapted and developed measurement methods and infrastructure to help researchers and commercial organisations address EMC-related challenges for connected and electrified vehicles.

Test and demonstration environments also serve as meeting places where industry colleagues and competitors can come together on neutral ground to discuss issues affecting the entire automotive industry.

‘Taking AstaZero as an example, our industrial partners in Sweden are required to attend collaboration meetings where we discuss topics ranging from long-term industry prospects to security trends.’ This is how we work together to strengthen Sweden’s ability to compete with countries such as China,” says Peter Janevik.

Monika Fuller:

If that kind of meeting place hadn’t existed, it would have been more difficult to facilitate this exchange. It would certainly have happened to some extent, but nowhere near as much as it does today.

There are clear expectations for continued development in line with the needs of the automotive industry.

The availability of expertise and test environments for electric, connected and autonomous vehicles is a key issue not only for the industry, but also for society as a whole. The further ahead Sweden and Europe are in the field of software-defined vehicles, the less dependent Europe will be on China and the US.

There is a clear expectation that, as an institute, RISE should ensure that technology and infrastructure continue to be developed in line with companies' needs. In order to achieve this and remain competitive with institutes in other parts of the world, we must work towards securing new funding opportunities at the EU level. 'The advanced test and demonstration environments require stable core funding so that we are not reliant on project applications when developing new test methodologies,' says Peter Janevik. Monika Fuller agrees:

New funding models will be absolutely essential if RISE is to continue driving innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of Swedish companies. A race for strategic technologies is underway in the global market, and Europe must develop and strengthen its technological infrastructure in order to remain at the forefront.

Petra is part of a team that tests industrial products in a lab environment to examine how they are affected by - and themselves affect - their electromagnetic surroundings. The tests cover both emissions - how much electromagnetic interference the product emits - and immunity - how much interference the product can withstand. The goal is to ensure the product operates reliably and without issues in real-world conditions.

– It’s a very varied job, with a good mix of practical, administrative, and social elements. We work with many different clients, test a wide range of products, and follow many different standards. You’re never done learning, and if you enjoy challenges, this is a great role.

Work with a clear impact 

RISE EMC operations are accredited, meaning testing is conducted according to international standards and with high credibility. For Petra, this is an important aspect of the work.

– The fact that we perform accredited testing makes the work feel serious, structured, and results-oriented, which is a key motivator for me. We have a steady flow of assignments, and I appreciate that clients come to us because we offer something they truly need.

It’s not just the technology and lab environments that are top-notch – the team’s expertise is too.

– We have deep expertise in EMC here at RISE – it’s actually quite unique. There’s also a great mix of new colleagues and those with more experience, and that blend allows us to learn a lot from each other and continuously grow.

Collaboration that makes the work possible 

Petra highlights the collaboration with colleagues as one of the greatest advantages of working at RISE.

– I’ve never had colleagues as great as the ones I have at RISE. There’s a humble, open atmosphere, and an incredible willingness to collaborate and help each other. That’s essential, because the things we work on are so complex. It’s incredibly fortunate that this foundation exists - it’s a big reason why we’re able to do such a great job together.