Digitalisation and connectivity are becoming increasingly important throughout the entire automotive production chain. Catena-X is an open-source, collaborative data ecosystem tailored specifically to the needs of the automotive industry. The aim is to enable companies across the entire supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers, to securely and efficiently exchange data and lay the foundation for sustainable, resilient production.
Focus on economic benefit and sustainability
Catena-X is intended to serve as the industry's first fully open-source and standardised network for data exchange. With transparent, secure data flows, companies can optimise production processes, conserve resources and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. The system also offers valuable approaches for optimising logistics, manufacturing and maintenance.
The project is being developed in close collaboration with leading companies in the automotive industry and scientific collaborators. To ensure data security and interoperability, Catena-X's technological components are based on common standards and are continuously adapted for real-world needs.
Innovative AI methods for Catena-X
The DLR Institute for AI Safety and Security is supporting Catena-X in key areas of data security and data usage through innovative AI methods. One example is the Federated Learning Demonstrator, a test model that enables AI models to be trained across company boundaries without disclosing data. The result is a privacy-compliant system that enables data-driven business models
The institute is also developing semantic models as part of the Semantic Models in the Behaviour Twin and is designing, implementing and managing governance processes within Catena-X. The goal is to ensure a defined quality standard to enable collaborative model maintenance for various use cases – such as the remaining useful life (RuL) semantic model. The RuL allows for the prediction of the remaining lifetime of critical vehicle components, enabling early replacement or more accurate calculations of the vehicle's resale value.
Through the Lead User Integration Program, various companies are supported in implementing the Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC), enabling them to work hands-on with Catena-X technologies and identify optimisation potential within the network. The EDC serves as the interface through which companies can participate in the project.
Driving internationalisation and cross-sectoral transfer
Internationalisation is also a key objective: through its leadership of the Catena-X Internationalisation Committee, DLR is promoting the global expansion of the technology. A network of partners from over 15 countries has already been established to advance the worldwide transfer of Catena-X.
Another important focus is cross-sectoral transfer. In collaboration with companies such as BASF and Henkel, Catena-X's solutions are being adapted for other industries to enable the creation of cross-industry data spaces.
The Catena-X project – digitalising the automotive value chain
