CAN stands for Controller Area Network, a robust vehicle bus standard designed to facilitate communication among various electronic components in automobiles. It allows microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer, enhancing the efficiency of data exchange in real-time. Originally developed by Bosch in the 1980s, CAN has become a crucial technology in modern vehicles, supporting functions like engine management, safety systems, and infotainment. Its reliability and fault tolerance make it ideal for automotive applications, ensuring that critical systems can operate smoothly even in the presence of errors.