Critical Software, working with BMW through their Critical TechWorks partnership, is a key player in building the future of linked cars. Critical TechWorks started in 2018 and has grown to over 3,000 workers in Porto, Braga, and Lisbon. They work on over 300 BMW systems, including car software, factory logistics, and mobile apps.
Here’s what Portuguese tech brings to BMW:
- Panoramic iDrive display: This customizable interface stretches across the dashboard, making the user experience immersive. Critical’s software helped build it.
- Driver assistance systems: AI powers features like Digital Road Model and Lane Change Prediction.
- Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) features: The iX3 has four supercomputers built in, which allow for self-driving features and remote updates through the My BMW App.
- Production and logistics software: Critical TechWorks helps BMW make its factories, warehouses, and operations better with digital tools.
Pedro Vieira da Silva, CTO of Critical TechWorks, said the partnership is huge. He noted that almost every BMW has Portuguese software in it. He added that they are involved in the car, how it works, and the whole user experience.
The iX3 is BMW’s first car designed around a fully integrated digital system. It shows how important software is becoming in cars, shaping everything from entertainment to self-driving. Updates are sent out remotely, so cars stay up-to-date without needing to go to a dealer.
Although fully self-driving cars might be possible one day, BMW still wants drivers to enjoy the ride. They want tech to improve the driving experience, not take it over.
This partnership shows that Portugal is getting stronger in car software and is becoming an important center for creating the next generation of mobility options.
If you’d like, I can create a shorter version for LinkedIn that quickly shares how Portugal is helping with tech.
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