AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform 18.03 Launches DDS Support – A Game‑Changer for Autonomous Vehicles

On Monday, April 23, the automotive industry’s flagship AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform released its 18.03 specification. What sets this edition apart is the first official binding to the OMG Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, opening a new horizon for data‑centric, real‑time communication in autonomous vehicles.

While the DDS integration is still in its early stages, it marks a crucial step toward meeting the stringent requirements of Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy. The new documents can be accessed on the AUTOSAR website under the Adaptive Foundation section:

• AUTOSAR SWS_Communication Management – Section 7.3.2
• AUTOSAR TPS_ManifestSpecification – Sections 7.1.2 and 7.2.2

Implications for AUTOSAR and the Future of Mobility

The automotive landscape is accelerating toward fully connected, self‑driving ecosystems. By adopting DDS, AUTOSAR now aligns with the most widely adopted middleware for mission‑critical, low‑latency messaging. DDS brings robust QoS controls, end‑to‑end security, and a proven data‑centric architecture that can evolve with future vehicle and infrastructure standards.

Moreover, DDS integration facilitates seamless interaction with non‑AUTOSAR systems such as ROS 2 and cloud‑based services, ensuring that OEMs can retain brand differentiation while embracing an open, interoperable stack.

What This Means for the DDS Community

Incorporating DDS into AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform unlocks a vast new market for the middleware. The move positions DDS as the backbone of autonomous vehicle architectures, linking ROS, simulation tools, H‑IL testing, and in‑car systems into a cohesive ecosystem.

RTI, with its deep experience in safety‑critical applications, is uniquely positioned to support automotive stakeholders as they transition to this data‑centric paradigm. Our investments in safety, security, and compliance enable a robust, future‑proof solution that meets both industry standards and regulatory demands.

We are excited to observe how this partnership will shape the industry. For more details on DDS’s role in AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform, contact bobl@rti.com. I will be speaking at user conferences in Munich (April 24‑25) and Boston (May 16‑17) alongside engineers discussing autonomous vehicle architectures.

Thank you to all AUTOSAR development teams—both RTI and partner contributors—for their collaboration on this milestone.

Learn More:

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What is DDS – Infographic