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Virtual engineering workbenches and cloud-based SIL testing: Accelerating SDV development

At CES 2026, IPG Automotive contributed to the industry’s ongoing shift toward efficient, scalable and reliable software validation for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). While the Las Vegas stage offered visibility, the real story is the set of transformative technologies redefining how engineering teams build and validate automotive software.

 

The SDV challenge 

As vehicle architectures become increasingly software-driven, OEMs and suppliers face rising complexity, frequent updates and tighter validation timelines. Traditional hardware-centric testing cannot keep pace – and issues detected late in the process often result in costly warranty claims. With software being among the top drivers of warranty costs today, earlier and more comprehensive validation has become essential. 

 

Virtual engineering workbenches 

To meet these demands, organizations are adopting virtual engineering workbenches that integrate simulation, virtual ECUs, cloud infrastructure and scenario libraries. They enable teams to: 

  • Build virtual vehicle prototypes before hardware exists 

  • Continuously validate software via SIL testing 

  • Run large-scale regression suites with each software drop 

  • Align workflows across global engineering teams 

  • Automate testing through CI/CD pipelines 

These capabilities are already being used at scale across the industry. 

 

Cloud-based SIL testing on AWS infrastructure 

Cloud technology plays a key role in enabling automotive virtualization. With AWS, engineering teams can run thousands of SIL simulations in parallel. They are powered by IPG Automotive’s toolchain which includes CarMaker, virtualized sensors and virtual ECUs. This combination allows OEMs to create highly realistic digital twins and accelerate validation loops. 

Key benefits: 

  • Massively parallel test execution 

  • Cost-efficient scaling without hardware investment 

  • Automated pipelines covering build, simulation and reporting 

  • Global availability for distributed teams 

 

Real-world applications 

Honda, Magna Steyr and Continental Engineering Services already rely on cloud-based simulation and virtual prototypes: 

  • Honda: Cloud-scale scenario execution for dramatically faster ADAS/AD testing 

  • Magna Steyr: Standardized software integration and accelerated global collaboration 

  • Continental Engineering Services: Scalable SIL pipelines to enhance software quality and reduce risk 

All three cases show excellent results with less need for rework, faster feedback cycles and lower warranty exposure. 

 

Outcome and outlook 

Combining virtual engineering workbenches with cloud-based SIL testing enables earlier fault detection, higher coverage, reduced reliance on physical prototypes and more predictable timelines. This ultimately delivers a higher software quality at SOP. 

CES 2026 highlighted how quickly the industry is moving toward cloud-powered, software-centric development. IPG Automotive will continue supporting this transformation through advanced simulation tools, virtual vehicle technologies and workflows that help OEMs and suppliers develop safer, smarter and more reliable vehicles.  

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