Autonomous vehicles are coming. I’m sure of it. If you ask me when, I’m afraid I can’t give a definitive answer. Actual mass deployment is a moving target and it seems like we’ve been in beta mode for quite a few years.

A big step forward came recently with RTI’s latest release of its Connext product suite, now at version 6. According to the company, Connext 6, built on Data Distribution Service (DDS), includes the first connectivity software designed to accelerate the development and deployment of highly autonomous systems.

Connext 6 is a standards-based framework that supports autonomous vehicle development, from research to production. It can handle Levels 4 and 5 of automation, which are the highest levels. The challenges addressed by the tool include effective management of high-bandwidth sensor data, simple integration with standardized interfaces, and optimized security. It also puts designers on the correct path toward certification.

The tool suite’s new features are compatible and interoperable across the company’s entire Connext product line, including DDS Secure and Professional for standard processors and microcontrollers, DDS Micro for highly resource-constrained microcontrollers, and DDS Cert for the most safety-critical applications.

One of the key features of Connext 6 is its ability to pull in massive amounts of data and distribute it to the appropriate processing element. Data could be coming from any number of sensors and in most cases needs to be processed in real time.

Users can download a free 30-day trial of the latest, fully-functional Connext DDS software today, and RTI customers can request a preview release of Connext 6 by contacting their local sales rep.