German automotive group

Project Details

auticon’s autistic software testers delivered high-quality unit testing for a German carmaker’s safety-critical e-mobility and driving-dynamics software.

Country:Germany

Industry:Automotive & Components

Engagement:QA & Testing | Software Development

Tech StackISO 26262, Software Testing, Unit Testing

About

A German automotive group developing safety-critical software for e-mobility and driving dynamics. Acceptance of electric mobility depends heavily on vehicle performance and quality, where software is a decisive factor — yet manufacturers, OEMs and suppliers often lack the specialists to develop these solutions.

The Challenge

The group needed ongoing unit testing for a highly modern, safety-relevant driving-dynamics control software that had to meet the strict ISO 26262 standard, but lacked the internal resources for this critical task. At the same time, it faced pressure to meet ESG criteria — including across its supply chain — and to live a diverse, inclusive culture.

The Solution

auticon supported the project with four autistic software testers who joined a 15-person team at the manufacturer. Trained job coaches and project managers briefed the client team on autism, supported communication, and ensured smooth delivery. The testers worked from auticon’s Berlin office in an adapted environment, staying closely connected to the project team through regular reviews and meetings. Their structured approach improved the team’s overall way of working.

The Benefits

Quality assurance of safety-relevant software for driving-dynamics control (ISO 26262) and high-voltage charging management of electric vehicles
New perspectives for solving long-standing problems
Clear, effective team communication
A service provider that combines quality with social responsibility
Diversity and actively lived inclusion in the development teams

The Highlights

Four autistic testers strengthened a 15-person client team
Earned trust to perform source-code reviews of the QM component
First project ran ~2 years; success led to a follow-on project on EV high-voltage charging software
Neurodiverse collaboration sustained successfully even remotely during the pandemic

Social Impact

Demonstrated that autistic technologists’ precision, focus and lateral thinking deliver superior results on safety-critical software, while enabling the client to meet ESG and social-sustainability criteria across its supply chain and build a genuinely inclusive, neurodiverse team.

“

We were impressed by how quickly the auticon staff got to grips with the highly complex subject matter, understood the requirements for the safety-critical unit tests — including meeting the ISO 26262 standard — and the level of detail with which they worked. This quickly built the trust to let them carry out the source-code reviews of the QM component.

Project Manager (client)