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IAV

05/28/2025

Guardian Angels for Vehicles

Cross-Domain Expertise in Functional Safety

In today's world of technology development, which is heavily influenced by software and functions, Functional Safety (FuSa) is more than just a buzzword – it is a necessity. At IAV, we consider Functional Safety to be an essential part of the development of new vehicle functions. Our mission is to identify and minimize technology-related risks, thereby contributing to a safe product.  

At IAV, we are not just a partner, but the partner when it comes to Functional Safety. Let's shape the future of mobility safely together.  

A Guardian Angel for Every Function 

A car that accelerates, brakes, and stays in lane autonomously – many manufacturers now have such a driver assistance system on board. And this system is a prime example of our cross-domain expertise. IAV is your partner for powertrain, chassis, and ADAS/AD – cross domain. We place a "guardian angel" around safety-relevant functions by analyzing the impacts of technology-related weaknesses as well as systematic and random errors, identifying their causes, and developing and securing tailored safety mechanisms such as redundancies or fallback management. 

ISO 26262 and Beyond 

We serve various markets and understand the different requirements they bring. Based on our long-standing and profound expertise in the development of safe automotive systems, we use our know-how for industry- and market-specific product development and the integration of market-specific requirements.

From Concept Phase to Production

Our portfolio covers all development activities: from the concept phase through development to production. We implement safety concepts at the system, hardware, and software levels and secure them in our own test environments.

Risk Analysis and System Design

At IAV, we take a close look at where the risks lie. In-depth, safety-oriented analyses such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Dependent Failure Analysis (DFA), Reliability Block Diagram (RBD), or System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) help us embed our safety measures in the overall concept in a targeted and efficient manner, both in the early concept phase and in the verification at the system, software, and hardware levels. We act technology-agnostic and find the balance between technological and economic feasibility as well as safety, reliability, and availability. 

Complexity and Interfaces

Our decentralized expert teams are closely linked to the domain-specific development departments, enabling short paths and a unified approach. We master the interaction between the various technical domains such as powertrain, chassis, ADAS/AD, and hardware/software, especially at the interfaces with the greatest challenges. This is essential for the implementation of large projects and the management of development tasks with ever-increasing complexity. 

Efficient Testing and Validation Methods 

The complexity of today's and future vehicle systems requires efficient testing and validation strategies and methods. Our experts consider testability and the integration of the latest automation techniques and virtual development already in the early development phases. 

Well Connected 

We are represented in important committees both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, we regularly and successfully present our development ideas and results at renowned national and international conferences, as well as in professional journals. Through our close cooperation with OEMs and suppliers in numerous markets, we are well acquainted with the current challenges. Our extensive network in various technical domains at IAV and in the industry helps us develop innovative solutions and actively shape the future. 

With IAV at your side, Functional Safety becomes the driving force for safe and sustainable mobility.

Our expert