The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has always been a point of reference for the future technology to look out for, from televisions to wearable smart devices aimed at making your life easier and more connected. This year more car manufacturers than ever are present, making a lot of noise about the future of the automotive industry including augmented reality and autonomous driving. Here are the PH points of interest...
We have previously seen an autonomous Audi RS7 set a time around a race track, but now Audi has teamed up with NVIDIA to use AI in delivering autonomous vehicles, beginning from 2020.
Showcasing this technology Audi presented a Q7 that uses neural networks and end-to-end deep learning to navigate a course comprising roads with and without lane markings, dirt and grass as well as a simulated construction zone. The next generation A8 will feature selected autonomous technology allowing the driver to turn over steering, throttle inputs and braking to the vehicle systems up to 35mph. NVIDIA has also teamed up with Here maps for HD mapping to provide suitable high definition real-time mapping for other autonomous cars.
The Ultimate Driving Machine is now aiming to lower driver stress by increasing autonomous input. Showcased in a 5 Series at CES, demonstrations reveal the autonomous technology handling acceleration, deceleration and steering duties, perfect for that average speed camera stretch of motorway. The plan is to have 40 autonomous vehicles testing on the road by the second half of 2017.
The Remote 3D view revealed at last year's show now offers the user a 3D view on your smartphone of the car and its surroundings meaning you can keep an eye on your car at any time, anywhere. Through BMW's connected service and a new form of gesture control, drivers will be able to point at buildings and the voice-controlled personal assistant will give information on the building. Amazon Prime Now is incorporated into the service enabling goods to be ordered en-route and, if the car is in autonomous mode, connected services will enable 'Passenger mode', activating Amazon Prime video, dimming the lights and closing the sunblinds.
BMW i Inside Future sculpture gives users an indication what future interiors will look like when autonomy becomes more prevalent. The HoloActive touch uses gesture control and head up display technology to create a floating virtual interface with no contact between the driver and interface.
Along with those features, BMW i has teamed up with Accenture using Tango technology to showcase an augmented reality experience enabling customers to experience and interact with the BMW i range.
Harman has been busy with multiple offerings at CES 2017, from updated audio platforms for all vehicle classes to one specifically built for autonomous vehicles debuting on the Rinspeed Oasis. The LIVS (Life-enhancing Intelligent Vehicle Solution) end-to-end system offers personalisation with a virtual assistant, Microsoft Office suite integration and full windscreen HUD technology with high-resolution 3D maps which will be made available as a standalone technology. When switching from autonomous to manual mode the system combines haptic feedback, eye gaze tracking and driver's cognitive load through pupil monitoring to ensure that the driver is ready to take the wheel.
The Summit Next smart audio platform was presented at CES last year, allowing for individual sound zones and 60 individual channels of amplification and equalisation. But this year Harman has added a few more technologies to the platform including 'Ambisonics escape', transporting the driver from a mundane traffic jam to a 'serene natural surroundings' through a 360-degree sound field. If you enjoy your commute, how about the dynamic sound stage? It connects your music to the road - the technology follows curves in the road, recreates acoustics of tunnels and reacts to acceleration and deceleration.
The Voyager Next lifestyle audio platform for small vehicles is offered as an embedded, connected head-unit supporting the usual array of platforms from Google, Apple, Baidu and SmartDeviceLink. With that subwoofer size has been reduced by nearly 80 per cent, eliminating them from door structures whilst also offering a portable audio system that can be removed from the car when the driver wants music on the go.
Hyundai has teamed up with Cisco to create a platform enabling two-way communication between connected cars, the road infrastructure and the Cloud. Hyundai also wants to push forward autonomous technology by presenting an interactive booth showing four car connected scenarios: 'Fully autonomous', guaranteeing the safest drive by monitoring traffic conditions and data from other cars; 'Smart Traffic', offering optimised route guidance on real-time traffic information; 'Intelligent Remote Service', monitoring the car's health, diagnosing and resolving issues remotely and 'Mobility Hub', providing assistance to connect customers with every aspect of their daily life.
'Mobility vision' is another Hyundai phrase, aimed at blurring the lines between living and commuting. Make the car a mobile living space and cars can 'continue living without interruption' by integrating its functionalities into the home and vice versa. Docking the car to the smart home will allow users to transform the vehicle into a more useful object such as an air conditioning system, an entertainment centre or even as a generator in emergencies.
'Health + Mobility concept' is where in-car conditions can be altered to manage stress levels or to enhance productivity. Filled with sensors, Hyundais of the future can monitor all elements of a driver's physical and mental health including posture, respiratory rate and breathing depth. If a driver loses concentration, the cockpit sensors can deliver 'Mood Bursts' using light, posture, scent, temperature and sound that create a multitude of physical and mental responses. Once your car journey is complete the driver can mount the Ioniq scooter and buzz to the final destination. It's the future...
A newbie at CES, Mercedes brought the Vision Van this year to showcase how the distribution of goods is a process that can be dealt with by one vehicle. It takes the concept of combining all elements with integrated drones offering autonomous air deliveries. Powered by a 75kW electric drive system the van has a 270km range, emission free. The black panel radiator grill communicates with other drivers to warn them if the van is turning, releasing drones or parked for long periods of time. Not only that, customers will get more reliable delivery times - hurrah!
Toyota
Toyota's Concept-i designed by the same people as the FT-1; but this concept is designed around 'kinetic warmth,' a belief that the tech we interact with should be welcoming and able to anticipate people's needs, 'inspire their imaginations and improve their lives.' The AI nicknamed Yui will measure emotion mapped against where and when the driver travels around the world as well as supporting the driver in navigating dangerous driving situations.
Yui can use light, sound and even touch to communicate information. Lights tell the driver whether the car is manual or autonomous mode and Yui can greet people as they approach the car as well as communicating to other drivers if there is a potential hazard or turns ahead.