The development of commercial vehicles is changing at a rapid pace: software is becoming a key
driver of efficiency, safety, and customer experience. TRATON and Applied Intuition are working together
to shape this shift by building a cross-brand software platform that supports the next generation of
software-defined vehicles.
“We are undergoing a fundamental shift away from mechanical engineering and towards software
engineering,” says Elin Skoglund, Product Manager High Performance Platform at TRATON. “Rising
customer expectations and increasingly complex vehicle systems are accelerating this change.” For
Marcello Cirillo, Head of Sweden Applications at the physical AI company Applied Intuition, software
is at the heart of the customer experience. “In the past, vehicles were primarily mechanical machines,” he says.
“Today, an ever-growing share of customer value is shaped by software.”
Boosting efficiency and sustainability
Software also plays a decisive role in the sustainable transformation of transportation.
“Many benefits today already come from software — for example improved route planning or predictive vehicle
control,” says Cirillo. “That allows operators to save a significant amount of cost.” Intelligent fleet management
solutions can lower costs and emissions while also increasing vehicle uptime. This reduces the total cost of
ownership for customers.
Over-the-air updates further accelerate innovation cycles while reducing the need for workshop visits.
“As manufacturers, we can deliver innovations faster and resolve issues more efficiently,” Skoglund adds. For
drivers, software-defined vehicles (SDVs) deliver improved safety and comfort, enhancing the overall
driving experience.
SDV explained
In a software-defined vehicle, software:
controls key vehicle functions
enables new features
keeps the vehicle up to date
With every over-the-air update, the vehicle gains new and improved
functionality on the same hardware. Just like a smartphone.
The shift to SDVs:
reduces downtime through smarter diagnostics and updates
lowers total cost of ownership through more efficient maintenance
increases residual value with upgrades over the vehicleʼs lifecycle
Customer value will increasingly stem from software, supporting a growing number of applications.
Software becomes a key differentiator, SDVs will reshape:
product strategies
business models
customer expectations
In the future, TRATON will not just build trucks and busses, but
adaptable platforms that evolve over time.
Data enables rapid iteration by:
developing
testing
deploying
refining software in real-world operation
By using real-time data, TRATON can continuously improve vehicle functionality, shorten development
cycles, and deliver better products faster and more cost-effectively.
SDVs are a key building block of TRATON’s transformation.
They connect vehicles, software, and data and help drive the transition
toward more efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation.
A shared software foundation for all brands
To unlock the full potential of SDVs, TRATON is developing a unified and powerful vehicle
software platform together with Applied Intuition: TRATON ONE OS. This platform will form the technological
foundation of the future. Beyond enabling the next generation of software-defined commercial vehicles, it will
also provide an environment in which software functions — such as enhanced safety features, new driver-assistance
functions, or new digital services — can be developed, tested, and deployed more quickly.
Cloud-based virtual testing delivers early insights into the overall system and shortens development
cycles, while the shared architecture consolidates solutions across brands. At the same time, it provides the
flexibility each brand needs. “We are creating a platform that only needs to be developed once — and can then
be deployed across all brands,” Skoglund says. “Yet it must allow each brand to address its own individual
requirements.”
“The energy in our collaboration and the opportunities it creates are exceptional.”
Elin Skoglund, Product Manager High Performance Platform at TRATON
A strategic match
Scania and Applied Intuition began working together in 2019 on tools for automated driving. In 2025,
the collaboration evolved into a strategic partnership with TRATON. “This is about combining speed and expertise to manage growing
complexity, together,” Skoglund emphasizes.
The partnership builds on complementary strengths. Applied Intuition contributes vehicle software
platforms, state-of-the-art development tools, and deep software expertise. TRATON brings decades of
experience in developing and industrializing commercial vehicles, strong in-house software capabilities,
and a deep understanding of customer needs.
Beyond this partnership, TRATON is building a broader collaboration model for software-defined
vehicles. While the strategic partnership with Applied Intuition forms a key pillar of the SDV strategy,
additional technology partners, suppliers, and open-source contributions will be integrated over time.
One team — one way of working
In the partnership with Applied Intuition, collaboration is anchored in
daily development practice. Across TRATON sites, engineers from both organizations work side by
side in shared project environments. “We essentially operate as one team,” says Cirillo.
Transparency and openness are critical.
“The most important thing is to honestly share what works and what doesn’t.” A shared backlog
provides a common view of priorities and development targets. “We’re driving this transformation
together,” Skoglund says. “And we want to succeed together.”
This close collaboration combines the familiarity of TRATON’s established development environment with
the freedom to explore new approaches. Dedicated spaces allow teams to innovate while remaining firmly
connected to their respective organizations.
“In the past, vehicles were primarily mechanical machines. Today, an ever-growing share of customer value is shaped by software.”
Marcello Cirillo, Head of Sweden Applications at Applied Intuition
Looking ahead
“For me, it’s highly motivating to be part of this transformation,” Skoglund says.
“The energy in our collaboration and the opportunities it creates are exceptional." Cirillo highlights the
immediate impact of the work. “There is a very direct link between what we develop here and the value it
creates for TRATON and the customers of its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus.”
The shared vision extends beyond individual vehicles toward an ecosystem in which much of the customer
value is generated through software — powered by a robust, unified platform. “If we get this transformation
right,” says Skoglund, “we will strengthen our technological leadership, make our customersʼ work easier,
and contribute to a more sustainable transport sector.”
About Applied Intuition
Applied Intuition, Inc. creates the tools and infrastructure, operating systems,
and autonomy needed for autonomous and software-defined moving machines. Founded in 2017,
the company supports customers across multiple industries, including automotive and commercial
vehicles. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices worldwide.
