Sumitomo Heavy Industries built an SDV development platform on Google Cloud. This case study highlights the simultaneous acceleration of development using digital-twin preliminary verification and generative AI, along with talent development.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries used Google Cloud to establish an SDV (Software Defined Vehicle)-enabled development platform supporting software development for large machinery. With applications including the development of automated guided forklifts in the logistics and construction fields in view, the company built an integrated environment incorporating generative AI, CI/CD, digital twins and data analytics.
Using a digital twin for preliminary verification, the company completed AGF operation verification on a simulator and passed the operating test in a single physical-machine trial. Because the simulator and physical machine were designed to communicate using the same protocol, development can proceed without requiring users to distinguish between the physical machine and the simulator.
Cloud Workstations standardized the environment and enabled the integration of source-code management and CI/CD. The company also confirmed an effect in shortening onboarding for new employees, creating synergies across the team's development process. The use of generative AI accelerated coding with Gemini Enterprise and Gemini CLI, while the introduction of KAI and GraphRAG strengthened knowledge sharing.
From a security and governance perspective, the company introduced Google Workspace Enterprise, IAP and Security Command Center. It uses TAP (Tech Acceleration Program) for organizational development, incorporating external expertise while promoting internal education. Going forward, the company will continue efforts including expanding and commercializing digital twins and linking them with OTA.