CES 2018 Safer vehicle systems gain traction at tech fair
Visitors to this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) take a look at a smart tire prototype displayed by German automotive system giant, Continental, at the Las Vegas Convention Hall, Tuesday (local time). The sensor-equipped tire alarms drivers when it detects damages inside or outside the tire. / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
Harman, Continental unveil sensor-driven smart vehicle solutions
By Lee Min-hyung
LAS VEGAS — Drivers are getting safer.
New smart vehicle systems were unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here.
Self-driving vehicles are all the rage at the world’s largest tech tradeshow, which opened Tuesday (local time).
Leading automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Toyota hyped their state-of-the-art systems for the upcoming autonomous vehicle era.
With the rise of the connected car, a number of safety-focused auto-parts manufacturers have also drawn keen attention by displaying cutting-edge smart vehicle systems.
Continental, a German automotive systems manufacturer, is one of the companies to showcase what the next-generation tires will look like.
The company displayed a sensor-equipped tire prototype, powered by its patented Conti Sense technology, which warns the driver if tires are damaged or overheat.
“The technology allows the tire to send signals to the vehicle in real-time,” an engineer at the Continental booth said. “To detect any possible damage, the tire is equipped with a series of sensors.”
An official at the Continental booth demonstrates how the smart tire prototype can detect damages from a nail at the Las Vegas Convention Center on the sidelines of this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
The puncture sensor, set up inside the tire is used to detect any minor punctures of the tire.
“Another sensor is to measure the temperature of the tire, informing drivers of the tire’s condition and temperature,” he said.
The Conti Sense tire has not been commercialized as it is still in the final stages of development, he said.
Seen above is the Digital Cockpit, co-manufactured by Samsung Electronics and Harman. Both companies showcased the prototype for the next-generation in-vehicle smart system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday (local time). / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics
Digital cockpit from Samsung, Harman
At the CES 2018, Samsung Electronics also unveiled its first product in the auto-parts business.
The Digital Cockpit, co-manufactured by Samsung and Harman, is a combination of the former’s display and internet of things (IoT) technology, and connected vehicle knowhow from the latter.
One noteworthy feature of the platform is its connectivity to Samsung’s mobile and IoT-featured home appliances. This enables drivers and passengers to control their Samsung devices more easily while staying in the car.
To enhance security, the connected car system focused on providing driving information in the most precise and simplest way by equipping the platform with three displays — two with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels and another with Samsung’s much-touted quantum dot LED (QLED) display.
Putting safety first, the Digital Cockpit also comes with what they call “Mirror Replacement Vision System.” It gives drivers a three split-view in a high-definition from cameras attached to the vehicle. The system also delivers warnings when the vehicle gets too close to other moving objects, according to Samsung.
On the software-side, Samsung installed its artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant, Bixby, into the platform, allowing drivers to control the level of the air-conditioner, volume or light via voice commands.
The companies started developing the Digital Cockpit in April last year, and they plan to commercialize the platform after having talks with automakers.
“Starting with this achievement, Samsung and Harman will continue to push for innovation in the connected car business,” Park Jong-hwan, vice president and chief of Samsung Electronics’ auto-parts division, said.