At the recent 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Rohde & Schwarz presented a lineup of automotive test and measurement innovations designed to accelerate the development of next-generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicles.
The company showcased how precise measurement technology can support the automotive industry’s transformation. From electric drivetrain optimization and high-speed in-vehicle connectivity to radar validation, UWB-based safety applications and satellite-enabled communications, it highlighted solutions engineered to support both market progress and technical excellence.
“The automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century,” said Juergen Meyer, Vice President Market Segment Automotive at Rohde & Schwarz. From electric drivetrains to new automotive connectivity like non-terrestrial networks and next-generation sensors enabling higher levels of autonomous driving, every innovation requires precise, reliable testing.”
At CES 2026, the company showcased the solutions that enable automakers and suppliers to bring safer, smarter, and more sustainable vehicles to market faster, Meyer added.
Electric drivetrain testing
Efficiency remains the cornerstone of electric mobility. The company addresses this challenge with advanced tools for inverter and battery management system characterization. The solution provides deep insights into switching behavior, EMI performance and electrical power efficiency. Early detection of signal anomalies, precise impedance measurements and multi-channel visibility help Tier 1s and OEMs optimize EV drivetrains faster and more reliably.
Accelerated radar sensor development with simulation software
R&S strategic partner fiveD, an innovation leader in hyper-realistic radar simulations, bridges the gap between the real and virtual worlds in radar simulation with its Radar Simulation Suite to generate complete environment models and radar digital twins. This allows radar sensor vendors to simulate the complete radar module performance in its host environment even before a hardware prototype exists, providing awareness of errors at an earlier stage, and accelerating the development process.
UWB for in-cabin detection and digital key testing
With UWB gaining momentum in automotive in-cabin detection and access systems, the company demonstrated advanced target simulation using the R&S SMW200A signal generator and R&S FSW26 spectrum analyzer. The setup enables realistic testing of UWB modules used for child-presence detection, hands-free access and intrusion sensing.
Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) testing
The automotive industry wishes to ensure a seamless user experience for safety, autonomous driving and infotainment services, wherever the vehicle is located and is exploring the role that non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) can have in providing ubiquitous wireless connectivity. Testing at chipset, TCU, antenna and vehicle level has a critical role in creating the always-connected vehicle and the CMX500 radio communication tester is the complete solution to ensure correct operation of all implementations of NTN.
eCall testing
Meeting critical RF performance and modern protocol stack requirements is essential for ensuring reliable connectivity in systems such as NG eCall. This capability will be mandatory for all vehicles sold in the European market. In parallel, China is introducing a new automotive GNSS test standard, expected to become mandatory by 2027 for its AECS emergency call system. Rohde & Schwarz supports both regulatory frameworks with a comprehensive test setup combining the CMX500 communication tester and the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator for precise GNSS simulation.
The company collaborates with leading technology companies who are leveraging its test and measurement solutions in innovative automotive applications. At the event, several partners were demonstrating these collaborations at their booths. The Open GMSL Association showcased the RTP oscilloscope and the ZNB vector network analyzer for debugging and conformance testing. World-class manufacturing and advanced product design company Flex demonstrated the MXO34 oscilloscope to verify the performance of the company’s multi-standard in-vehicle network interface.
