Breaking Code Before It Breaks Cars: The New Era of Virtual Testing - Robert Fey, Synopsys EP13

🔧 THE TESTING REVOLUTION DECODED

In this new episode of "Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" by The Storytelling Tribe, we connect with Robert Fey, known across the industry as "Mr. Broken Testing" and creator of the Automotive Test Efficiency Framework (ATEF) at Synopsys, to explore how automotive testing must evolve from hardware-driven legacy approaches to software-first methodologies that enable true digital transformation.

🎯 KEY INSIGHTS

Legacy vs. Innovation: The Testing Time Trap

Robert reveals how automotive's traditional waterfall, hardware-driven testing creates 20-week feedback loops that kill innovation velocity and why fast feedback within 24 hours is essential for software-defined vehicles.

The ATEF Method: From Chaos to Clarity

Discover the systematic framework that transforms tool evaluations from "comparing logos" to evidence-based efficiency scoring, enabling teams to measure testing maturity and identify improvement opportunities.

The SDV Shift: Product Over Project

Learn why the industry must abandon project-based thinking for product-centric approaches, where software reuse across vehicle generations demands fundamentally different testing strategies and organizational structures.

💡 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

• Start Small, Test Smart: Begin unit testing at the smallest software components to exponentially reduce complexity and testing overhead
• Demand Fast Feedback: Establish 24-hour feedback loops between code changes and test results to maintain development velocity
• Score Your Efficiency: Use standardized frameworks like ATEF to benchmark testing capabilities and identify specific improvement areas
• Bridge the Gap: Position testers closer to development teams to eliminate communication delays and accelerate problem resolution

🌟 ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

Robert Fey brings over 15 years of automotive experience from hands-on development to leading 40+ verification engineers. After driving IT transformations at major OEMs, he joined Synopsys where he leads business development and product management for TPT testing tools. His passion for fixing "broken testing" led to creating ATEF, launched in 2025 to revolutionize how the industry approaches testing efficiency.

Ready to discover the stories behind the steering wheel? 

#UnderTheHood #AutomotiveStorytelling #TestingRevolution #ATEF #SoftwareDefinedVehicle

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" – Where technology meets narrative, and mobility's future is told through visionary voices.

"Under the Hood: Automotive Storytelling" uncovers the human narratives driving innovation in an industry that impacts lives worldwide. Hosted by Stéphane Lagresle, this podcast explores how the power of storytelling ultimately connects technology to humans.