The biggest tech products and innovations are showcased at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January. The technology on display increasingly showcases vehicles, and this year we’ve round up highlights from the CES 2019 show that you could be seeing soon, or look forward to down the line:
Toyota’s new autonomous test vehicle
Toyota announced the launch of a new test vehicle, TRI-P4, that’s equipped with the latest scanners, sensors and computing equipment. Toyota will test the TRI-P4, based on the fifth-generation Lexus LS, in its Chauffeur and Guardian driving automation modes.
The Chauffeur mode uses full driving automation, taking over for a human driver, said Ryan Eustice, senior vice president of automated driving at TRI. The Guardian mode is designed to “amplify” human performance behind the wheel and not replace it.
Kia’s mood-detection technology
Kia’s Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving system, or READ for short, uses artificial intelligence-based bio-signal recognition technology to detect the driver's mood and alter the cabin environment to create a "more joyful mobility experience".
The system will enable continuous communication between drivers and vehicles through the unspoken language of “emotional feeling”, to therefore provide an optimised human senses-oriented space for drivers.
Unconventional concept vehicles
Some of the most imaginative vehicles included:
- Hyundai Elevate: Hyundai’s solution for when heavy debris is blocking emergency vehicles, is the four-legged and four-wheeled Elevate, which will walk or climb over most terrains.
- BMW Vision iNext: This car features “Shy Tech”, which are control interfaces integrated into the interior materials and only appear when your hand touches a specific point. The aim is to have interiors that look cleaner and offer functionality when you need it.
- Mercedes-Benz Vision Urbanetic: This concept is aimed at ride-hailing and delivery fleets. It’s a body-swappable hybrid that can haul packages or people, and is fully electric and autonomous.
- Byton M-Byte: This electric car has an all-screen dashboard and the Driver Tablet built into the steering wheel can be controlled by voice commands as well as gesture controls.
In-car virtual assistants
Like Siri and Google Assistant, this virtual assistant is designed to be your little helper, focusing on vehicle functions.
The Mercedes-Benz has the MBUX software interface, and the BMX has the Intelligent Personal Assistant. Both systems use natural voice commands to control various aspects of the car. Tell your Intelligent Personal Assistant that you’re cold, and the car will adjust the temperature. If you ask the MBUX if your car has enough oil, you’ll get your answer.
Audi’s mobile movie theatre system
Audi says its new entertainment format will transform a car into a “special movie theatre experience”. The system is designed to work when a car is stationary, but if self-driving becomes so good, maybe passengers will need some high-quality entertainment.
Sources: Digital Trends and Car Advice
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