Google Cloud Adds RemotiveTopology to Horizon Platform
The new integration allows developers to build and test vehicle electronic systems using virtual hardware environments.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Automotive — General
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Google Cloud has integrated RemotiveTopology into its Horizon platform to support automotive software development. The tool enables developers to create virtual vehicle electrical architectures to simulate onboard systems without needing physical hardware.
Why it matters
This integration seeks to drastically shorten software iteration times and accelerate development cycles by reducing dependence on physical electronic control systems. By using software-as-code workflows, engineers can test software running in Android Automotive OS against virtual data networks.
The integration of RemotiveTopology has demonstrated a 10 times improvement in integration cycle speeds. The platform supports developers using Axion-based bare-metal Arm instances and standard Linux-based vehicle models.
The players
Google Cloud
A suite of cloud computing services offered by Google that provides the underlying infrastructure for this automotive development platform.
RemotiveLabs
The technology provider that offers the open-source simplified vehicle model used to create the virtual electrical architecture.
Android Automotive OS
An operating system based on the Android platform specifically designed for vehicle infotainment and integrated software control systems.
The details
RemotiveTopology uses existing network design files to construct a virtual representation of a car's electrical architecture. Developers can connect software directly to simulated onboard computers and vehicle signals via the Horizon platform.
Timeline
RemotiveTopology became available in the Horizon platform on October 30, 2026.
Roadmap
This move reflects the industry-wide shift toward software-defined vehicles by moving testing workloads from physical labs to virtual cloud environments. It positions Google Cloud as a primary infrastructure provider for manufacturers streamlining their complex electrical system development.
For the daily driver, this software development acceleration means that vehicle infotainment and electronic features may see faster updates and improved stability. Automakers can deploy new software-based capabilities more efficiently as the reliance on physical hardware prototypes decreases.
The takeaway
Developers can now leverage virtualized electrical architectures to test complex vehicle software before physical production begins. Using simulated data networks helps identify integration issues earlier in the development lifecycle.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Automotive — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IT Brief Australia.
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