The future of mobility is being reshaped at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the latest advancements in vehicle technology are being showcased. From AI-powered cars that offer hyper-personalized experiences to the debut of flying taxis, this event highlights a transformative era in transportation.
At the heart of this technological revolution is the integration of artificial intelligence in vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Board Member for Development Markus Schäfer emphasized the emergence of AI in car manufacturing, promising a "hyper-personalized experience" in future models. The integration of AI is not limited to high-end vehicles; it's a trend sweeping across the entire automotive industry, leading to more natural voice controls and intelligent, empathetic digital assistants in cars.
The concept of a car is also being reimagined at CES. Vehicles are no longer just a means of transportation; they're evolving into multifunctional spaces. Kia's convertible vans, dubbed Platform Beyond Vehicle, or PBV, are a prime example, functioning as delivery vans, shops, family cars and even mobile offices or bedrooms. This innovation reflects a broader vision of using urban space more efficiently.
Moreover, the dream of flying to work to beat traffic is closer to reality than ever. Hyundai's presentation of the Supernal S-A2 flying taxi, set to launch by 2028, exemplifies this leap in mobility. This electric five-seater taxi is a testament to the advancements in air mobility, promising speeds up to 125 mph and distances over 31 miles.
Another significant development is the self-parking and self-charging capabilities of electric vehicles. Technologies like Bosch and Volkswagen's robotic arm for autonomous charging and HL Mando's Parkie system, which lifts and moves cars for more efficient parking, are setting new standards in vehicle automation.
However, the road to fully autonomous vehicles remains challenging. The industry faces obstacles like securing venture capital and addressing safety concerns. Despite advancements in driver assistance systems and AI integration for enhanced safety, the full realization of level 5 autonomy, where vehicles operate without human intervention, seems distant.
VinFast Wins CES 2024 Innovation Award for MirrorSense, Introduces EV Pickup
VinFast Auto, in collaboration with VinAI, developed a pioneering AI-driven automatic mirror adjustment technology, VinFast MirrorSense, recognized with the Innovation Award Honoree in the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility category at CES.
The automatic mirror adjustment technology precisely detects the driver's head position and eye gaze direction with an accuracy of 10mm, automatically adjusting the mirrors accordingly. This feature has undergone rigorous testing with a dataset of 25 million images from 250,000 real-world subjects, further validated by 504 self-collected videos featuring 126 diverse participants.
In addition to VinFast MirrorSense, VinFast and VinAI are unveiling other groundbreaking technologies at CES, including the Driver & Occupants Monitoring Systems (DOMS) and an Advanced Driver Monitoring System (ASVM) featuring JellyView, a 360-degree panoramic observation system.
VinFast Auto also debuted the VF Wild, an electric pickup truck combining eco-friendliness, innovative design and performance. Measuring 209 inches in length and 79 inches in width, the VF Wild positions itself in the mid-size pickup category.
One of the VF Wild's most notable features is its flexible bed size. The vehicle boasts a power-folding mid-gate that enables the bed length to expand from 5 to 8 feet with the rear seats automatically folded down. This design grants the VF Wild the largest bed in its segment. Additionally, the design incorporates a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors.
Hyundai Mobis Unveils MOBION EV
Hyundai Mobis revealed the MOBION EV, equipped with the advanced "e-Corner System," allowing for lateral and diagonal movements, as well as stationary pivot turns.
The e-Corner System is built on four key technologies, with "In-Wheel" technology being the cornerstone. Unlike traditional EVs that rely on a single large driving motor, MOBION uses four small motors located inside each wheel, allowing for independent power generation and enhanced maneuverability.
MOBION also stands out with its autonomous driving sensor and lamp technologies. The integration of three light detection and ranging (lidar) devices enhances the vehicle's ability to detect nearby objects, especially during diagonal or lateral movements. This technology, combined with MOBION's innovative "Exterior Lighting" lamp and various display functions, contributes to improved safety and design. The front bumper LED, for instance, interacts with pedestrians by displaying directional information, while the rear bumper signals to other drivers during crossing maneuvers.
Another feature drawing attention at CES is MOBION's "Ground Projection" function. This complements the e-Corner System by projecting the vehicle's travel direction on the ground, aiding in navigation during unconventional movements such as diagonal or lateral motion. This feature also enhances pedestrian safety by generating crosswalk stripes in the vehicle's vicinity.
Hyundai Unveils Hydrogen Vision, AI-Driven Mobility
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its ambitious vision for a hydrogen-powered, software-driven transformation that extends beyond traditional mobility applications. The initiative, aligned with Hyundai's "Progress for Humanity" brand vision, was presented under the theme "Ease every way." It marks a commitment to enhancing the global community's life by embedding three fundamental values: freedom, safety and fairness.
The company has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by a detailed RE100 roadmap, which includes transitioning to 100% renewable energy in its overseas factories by 2045 and across every Group entity by 2050. Hydrogen energy is central to these objectives, with Hyundai introducing innovative solutions for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and use.
In addition to its focus on hydrogen, Hyundai is undergoing a comprehensive software-driven transformation across the Group. Recognizing the critical role of software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping user-centric mobility ecosystems, the company introduced its "Software-defined Everything" (SDx) strategy. This approach is designed to transform all moving devices, fleets and ecosystems into valuable assets using advanced software and AI.
Kia Unveils PBV Strategy
Kia Corporation introduced its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. The centrepiece is the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, aptly previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.
PBVs by Kia integrate fit-for-purpose EVs with cutting-edge software solutions, aligning with Hyundai Motor Group's SDx strategy. The PBVs aim to redefine the concept of space, offering advanced, tailored interiors that provide unprecedented freedom and flexibility, thereby opening doors to new businesses and lifestyles.
Marelli's LASER Tech Wins CES 2024 Innovation Award
Marelli won a CES 2024 Innovation Award for its pioneering Red LASER & Optical Fiber Rear Lamp. Developed initially for a German luxury vehicle manufacturer, Marelli's cutting-edge technology integrates a red LASER diode with optical sidelight fibers. This innovative pairing has resulted in a remarkably thin illuminated line, offering vehicle manufacturers unprecedented design flexibility and the ability to craft unique, stylish brand signatures.
The technology's uniqueness lies in its use of thin suspended light guides, no more than 1 mm in diameter. Traditional light guides, typically around 6 mm in diameter and made of plastic, were deemed unsuitable for this application due to their aesthetic limitations and bulkier size. Optical fibers, in contrast, offer greater design versatility, allowing for various shapes and curves illuminated by light. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also guarantees homogeneity in lighting---a feature unattainable with larger plastic light guides.
