CES 2017 50th Anniversary: A wrap up

No one could have ever imagined that a consumer electronics show would one day put to shame a hard core automobile show with its display of new cars and technologies. Well, with cars today stuffed with loads of electronics and gizmos, it’s as though these cars are iPads on four wheels!

The CES 2017 show was held early January 2017 in the city of Las Vegas in the United States. It was the 50th anniversary of the largest global gathering of innovation and connectivity, which saw some ground-breaking products being introduced. It was not just cars, but 5G, clothes, content, health care, sports, travel, smart cities, robotics, etc that debuted at this world’s largest innovation event. In short, it showcased the connected future of technology. With more than 3,800 exhibiting companies and exhibit space of more than 2.6 million net square feet, CES 2017 was a record-breaker, welcoming the world’s biggest companies in addition to hosting more than 600 startups at the Eureka Park Marketplace. More than 175,000 industry professionals, including 55,000 from outside the U.S., convened in Las Vegas to drive the ever-evolving global technology industry forward.

Connectivity was everywhere at CES 2017 – enabling nearly every product category, from self-driving cars and smart cities to digital health and 5G – and a major focus throughout CES conference tracks.

AUDI, NVIDIA TEAM UP TO BRING FULLY AUTOMATED DRIVING

Audi has partnered with Nvidia to use artificial intelligence in delivering highly automated vehicles starting year 2020. Audi and Nvidia are long-time partners, merging the best of automotive engineering and visual computing technologies on Audi innovations such as Audi MMI navigation and the Audi virtual cockpit. Later this year Audi, will introduce the world’s first Level 3 automated vehicle equipped with a first-generation central driver assistance controller, or zFAS, that integrates Nvidia computing hardware and software.

To showcase their progress, Audi and Nvidia developed an Audi Q7 piloted driving concept vehicle, which uses neural networks and end-to-end deep learning on Nvidia's artificial intelligence platform to navigate a complex course. The vehicle learns from both the road and the driver in every mile it travels and can handle unpredictable situations like roadblocks, construction and changes in weather. This demonstration illustrates the power of end-to-end deep learning and how it will be one of many neural networks running simultaneously inside of an artificial intelligence car.

BMW I PILOTS AUGMENTED REALITY PRODUCT VISUALISER POWERED BY TANGO

BMW i is the first automotive brand in the world to offer customers an interactive, 3-D augmented reality experience of their products in a pilot programme which was rolled-out from January 5, 2017. Using Tango, Google’s smartphone augmented reality technology, customers can explore their ideal BMW i3 or i8, as a real-size, interactive visualisation.

Piloting initially in a double-digit number of sales outlets, selected Product Geniuses will be provided with a consumer mobile device which is Tango-enabled. Using this, they can then support customers to visualize and experience the BMW i products, using augmented reality to create a 3-D image which can be explored interactively: the customer can open the boot or the doors, even getting “inside” the car to take a closer look at the interior. Eric Johnsen, Head of Business Development for Augmented Reality at Google, said, “The thing that sets Tango apart is the fact that it understands the context of the space that it’s in. So the wheels are really on the floor, for example, giving the whole experience a much more realistic feel.”

BMWi is the first automotive brand to use Tango to provide customers with this interactive experience. The BMW i Visualiser was designed and developed by Accenture, integrating BMW i picture data of the vehicles into an app which uses Tango technology. It offers customers a new and interactive way to experience the car, with functions that enable customers to open the door or switch on the lights. In order to keep the user-experience as intuitive and simple as possible, the app is a visualiser instead of a full configurator, where features such as interior and exterior colours or wheel rims can be altered at a touch of the screen. Once the visualisation is complete, the customer can save the data and share it with others, including BMW i sales outlets, via social media, email or QR code.

FARADAY FUTURE REVEALS FF91 E-CAR

Faraday Future (FF), an advanced mobility company with headquarters in Silicon Valley and Southern California in the US and a company which is part of Formula E motorsport revealed FF 91 (“nine one”), its first production vehicle, at an exclusive event prior to the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Built upon the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), FF 91 represents a bold new breed of electric mobility that combines supercar performance, precise handling, the comfort of an ultra-luxury passenger vehicle, and a unique collection of intelligent internet features, says a company press release.

FF’s proprietary VPA is a flexible powertrain system featuring a monocoque vehicle structure in which the chassis and body are a single form – providing measurable improvements in overall vehicle rigidity, safety and handling. An available all-wheel drive system offers greater traction, control and precise power distribution. The VPA also houses class-leading battery technology, multiple motor and battery configurations, as well as the company’s first patent:  the  FF Echelon Inverter.

FF 91’s powertrain features a multi-motor setup, enabling real-time torque vectoring to the rear wheels. This technology delivers superior acceleration, safety while leveraging rear-wheel steering for agile cornering, allowing drivers to confidently execute maneuvers like merging onto freeways or accelerating out of dangerous scenarios. Peak motor power is 783 kW, equating to 1050 HP, delivering a record-breaking 0-60 mph time of 2.39 seconds.

FF 91’s battery technology doesn’t sacrifice range for performance. Outfitted with a 130 kWh battery, FF 91 achieves a range of 378 miles (EPA est.) and over 700 km (NEDC est.) from the world’s highest energy density battery, engineered in partnership with LG Chem. Similarly, the system’s compact design enables more cabin space for greater comfort and safety. FF 91 also has the fastest charge speed currently available, with the ability to charge at more than 500 miles per hour. The home charger, included with the vehicle, achieves 50 percent to full charge in under 4.5 hours at 240V.

FCA US DEBUTS CHRYSLER PORTAL CONCEPT

The Chrysler Portal concept explores the possibility of what a family transportation vehicle could look like for the millennial generation as their lifestyles evolve. The flexibility, adaptability and technology features also make it ideal for business and commercial applications, such as ride hailing, car sharing and delivery services.

Designed from the inside out, the interior of the Chrysler Portal concept offers the driver and passengers a “third space” – an open and serene atmosphere that provides an alternative environment between work and home.

Spacious and modern, the interior features soft, clean, sculptural lines that are coloured in a mix of neutral and grey hues accented by jewel tones; the interior space takes advantage of a tasteful and elegant mix of textures and materials.

 Premium seating is standard for all occupants with thin-design seats that fold flat, fold up and slide fore/aft on a track system for ultimate flexibility. The seats mount to tracks embedded in the floor. This enables the seats to move the full length of the vehicle and, if needed, to be removed easily from the rear of the vehicle.

 Battery-electric vehicle technology contributes to cabin spaciousness with a minimized engine compartment and a low, flat-load floor atop the battery pack that is ideal for transporting people and equipment for an active lifestyle.

The Chrysler Portal concept was created in collaboration with supplier partners who shared their innovations and expertise to bring to life future technologies. These partners include Adient, Magneti Marelli, Panasonic Automotive and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Up to eight docking stations, located in the instrument panel and seats, can be used for charging and securing mobile phones and tablet devices.

The Chrysler Portal concept is estimated to have more than 250 miles of range on a full charge.

NEW SYNC APPLINK CAPABILITY FROM FORD

With most smartphone owners saying they use navigation apps while driving, Ford Motor Company introduced a new SYNC AppLink capability that will project navigation apps directly from a smartphone to the vehicle touch screen. Sygic Car Navigation is first to take advantage of the new capability.

When a smartphone is paired to the vehicle via USB cable, control of the Sygic app is removed from the device. The app is automatically projected to the vehicle touch screen making the navigation app more convenient to manage. The technology aims to reduce a driver’s urge to pick up and look at a mobile device.

Sygic is the first mobile navigation app to take advantage of Ford AppLink capability to move mobile navigation from the phone screen to the in-vehicle touch screen. Available in more than 200 countries and about 40 languages, Sygic technology is used by 150 million smartphone owners across the globe. The Sygic Car Navigation app is optimised to work seamlessly with Ford SYNC 3 – giving drivers more choice in how they navigate.

HONDA INTRODUCES “COOPERATIVE MOBILITY ECOSYSTEM”

Moto Riding Assist, NeuV concept mini-vehicle leverage Honda’s R&D investments

Honda unveiled its Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem concept, connecting the power of artificial intelligence, robotics and big data to transform the mobility experience of the future and improve customers’ quality of life. Featuring a number of prototype and concept technology demonstrations at CES, the Honda concept envisions a future where vehicles will communicate with each other and infrastructure to mitigate traffic congestion and eliminate traffic fatalities, while increasing the productivity of road users and delivering new types of in-vehicle entertainment experiences. Vehicles will create new value by autonomously providing services when not in use by their owners.

Honda also announced collaborations with Visa, DreamWorks Animation and innovative start-ups through the Honda Developer Studio and Honda Xcelerator open innovation programmes based out of Honda Silicon Valley Lab.

Supporting its Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem theme, Honda introduced the Honda NeuV, an electric automated mini-vehicle concept equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) “emotion engine” and automated personal assistant, creating new possibilities for human interaction and new value for customers.

The global mobility company also introduced the Honda Moto Riding Assist, a concept motorcycle that applies Honda’s robotics technology to maintain balance. Visitors also experienced firsthand Honda robotics technology by “test-driving” the UNI-CUB, the company’s self-balancing personal mobility device.

In a global debut at CES, Honda unveiled its Moto Riding Assist technology, which leverages Honda’s robotics technology to create a self-balancing motorcycle that greatly reduces the possibility of falling over while the motorcycle is at rest. Rather than relying on gyroscopes, which add a great deal of weight and alter the riding experience as announced by other companies, the Honda Moto Riding Assist incorporates technology originally developed for the company’s UNI-CUB personal mobility device.

LESEE FROM LEECO

Founded by visionary YT Jia in 2004, LeEco, a leading global internet company, showcased LeSEE,  a fresh interpretation of a classic Grand Tourer, enhanced by a cab-forward design. LeEco’s LeTV.com business is the first streaming video company in China to go public. Today, it is home to over 53 million daily unique visitors, who enjoy a content library that is unrivalled in depth and breadth, with more than 100,000 TV episodes and 5,000 films.

LeSEE with its cab-forward design, allows for even weight distribution, a larger interior volume and optimised aerodynamics. The dynamic front fascia is more like a screen than a traditional face – its expression adapts to the car’s environment. Its unique ice-white body colour transitions from crisp white to gentle blue depending on the viewing angle and evokes the balance of a glacier’s fragile and regal qualities, something to be respected and cherished.

With this vehicle, LeEco showcases what a car can be when cutting-edge technology is harmoniously blended with the needs of society. LeSEE combines the latest autonomous driving technologies, internet connectivity, car-sharing capabilities, and curated LeTV content to offer a modern vision for future transportation.

MERCEDES-BENZ VANS

Mercedes-Benz Vans exhibited for the first time at this year's CES in Las Vegas. The presence at the Consumer Electronics Show underpinned Mercedes-Benz Vans' transformation into a supplier of holistic system solutions for the transport sector – a process initiated by the van manufacturer's strategic future initiative adVANce. Mercedes-Benz Vans' exhibits at CES included the van study "Vision Van", which was presented to the public for the first time in September 2016.

The Vision Van from Mercedes-Benz Vans impressively combines the fields of transport and digitisation, integrating information and technologies on an unprecedented level. It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated load compartment, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries and a state-of-the-art joystick control. Powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270 km, deliveries with the Vision Van are emission-free and virtually silent. Combining cloud-based control software with optimised hardware, the Vision Van sets new standards in efficiency, quality and flexibility for last-mile delivery services.

CARLOS GHOSN ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES

In his 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) keynote, Nissan chairman of the board and chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn announced several technologies and partnerships as part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility blueprint for transforming how cars are driven, powered, and integrated into wider society. These technologies will advance mobility toward a zero-emission, zero-fatality future on the roads.

Ghosn made five key announcements, which were further demonstrated on stage:

To accelerate the time it will take for autonomous vehicles to get on the road safely, Ghosn announced a breakthrough technology called "Seamless Autonomous Mobility," or SAM. Developed from NASA technology, SAM partners in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) with human support to help autonomous vehicles make decisions in unpredictable situations and build the knowledge of in-vehicle AI. This technology could potentially enable millions of driverless cars to co-exist with human drivers in an accelerated timeline. It is part of Nissan Intelligent Integration.

Taking the carmaker's autonomous drive strategy another step further, Ghosn announced that leading a Renault-Nissan Alliance engagement, Nissan and Japanese internet company DeNA will begin tests aimed at developing driverless vehicles for commercial services. The first phase of testing will begin this year in designated zones in Japan, with a focus on technology development. By 2020, Nissan and DeNA plan to expand the scope of their tests to include the commercial usage of driverless technology for mobility services in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

In addition to advancements in Nissan's autonomous driving strategy, Ghosn also announced plans to launch a new Nissan LEAF, with ProPILOT technology, enabling autonomous drive functionality for single-lane highway driving. This new LEAF will build on the company's leadership in electric vehicles, which includes having sold more than 250,000 Nissan LEAFs sold worldwide since 2010. Ghosn said the new LEAF is coming in the near future and represents the next chapter of Nissan Intelligent Power.

On connected cars, which combine Nissan Intelligent Driving and Nissan Intelligent Integration, Ghosn announced that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is continuing its partnership with Microsoft to build the next generation of connected car technologies. The keynote included a demonstration of how Microsoft's personal assistant technology Cortana can make driving more efficient and seamless. Cortana is one of the technologies that the Alliance and Microsoft are exploring together.

To support the policy environment and planning needed to integrate these technologies into the world's cities, Ghosn announced a new partnership with 100 Resilient Cities - Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation (100RC). 100RC is a global non-profit working to help cities build resilience to physical, social and economic challenges. Together, Nissan and 100RC will help cities lay the groundwork for autonomous drive, electric vehicles, and new mobility services. Nissan is 100RC's first automotive platform partner.

PANASONIC PRESENTS VISION FOR AUTONOMOUS CABIN OF FUTURE

Panasonic revealed an exciting new concept that points the way to how the autonomous car will fit in with the lives of regular consumers. Panasonic took the wraps off its Autonomous Cabin Concept, a world-first for the company, which boasts its next-generation infotainment and connectivity expertise all wrapped up in a futuristic four-seater cabin full of surprise and delight features.

Following on from Panasonic’s Advanced Cockpit Concept, which was unveiled at last year’s CES, the Autonomous Cabin Concept is a natural next step, boasting the very latest in touch displays, smart materials and augmented reality to make travelling in the autonomous car of the future as fun and as important to everyday life as a smartphone is today.

The Autonomous Cabin Concept shows how an autonomous car can be the ultimate in versatility, providing the perfect extension to the workspace on the one hand, switching to the perfect family zone on the other, through creative, innovative and informative displays, connectivity and augmented reality.

PANASONIC NEXT-GENERATION AUGMENTED REALITY HEAD-UP DISPLAY

Panasonic also revealed its next-generation vehicle display system – technology that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and stay informed like never before. Panasonic Automotive’s Head Up Display (HUD) with Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the world’s most sophisticated systems. It is capable of projecting very large virtual images in the driver’s eye line, using AR to enhance the real world with HUD-generated imagery. Combined, HUD with AR gives the driver more information and can warn him or her of potential dangers. It also replaces the traditional instrument cluster and with everything running through the HUD, many of the car’s traditional physical controls are replaced too.

With drivers subjected to many potential distractions on the move – from making Bluetooth phone calls to receiving dynamic satellite navigation instructions – Panasonic’s new HUD with AR seeks to simplify that workload by keeping the driver’s eyes where they should be: on the road.

Panasonic’s technology features a very compact HUD system, but one that it is capable of projecting very large virtual images – up to 12-degrees to the horizontal and 5-degrees to the vertical – into the driver’s visual path at a distance of 10m in front of the vehicle. Teamed with multiple around-vehicle cameras, the system brings unprecedented levels of visual information to the driver.

Augmented Reality technology means that this HUD can then be used to make the driver aware of potential dangers. Because the system recognizes objects in the path of the car, it can warn the driver by displaying alerts in the HUD, distinguishing between pedestrians, other vehicles and other objects, if they are potentially on a collision course.

The system uses a total of eight cameras: a rear camera, front camera, night vision camera, a down side view camera, two additional side view cameras and two cameras which track the driver’s head and eyes.

RINSPEED CONCEPT VEHICLE “OASIS”

You can count on Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht when it comes to reimagining mobility. With the Rinspeed concept vehicle “Oasis,” the ingenious self-driving electric vehicle for the city and surrounding areas, he refutes the deeply ingrained notion of the urban jungle that requires SUVs the size of battle tanks for the daily struggle for survival. His alternative concept: a maneuverable speedster with an integrated small garden plot behind the windshield.

The Rinspeed boss therefore challenges the martial appearance with mobile urban gardening. With its large glazed areas and shrouds on the front wheels, the refined and swift two-seat runabout looks rather futuristic and is somewhat reminiscent of a modern interpretation of famous Star Wars icon R2D2. They both can turn on their wheels with almost a zero radius. In the case of the “Oasis,” thanks to a special steering angle, two in-wheel electric motors and torque vectoring, all developed by ZF on Lake Constance.

The self-driving Swiss vehicle is not a wallflower or strictly functional like the Google Car, but rather “next gen” - with a host of technical and visual treats inside. Because in keeping with a great tradition, the twenty-third Rinspeed concept car was again engineered by Swiss company 4erC and executed by Esoro.

The “Oasis” lets its driver know that several Facebook friends with similar tastes have recently liked a new restaurant that just opened nearby. A quick ‘Ok’ signaled to the personal assistant of the “Oasis,” and the table has been reserved. That fast. To interact with the Harman system, the occupants use a slightly curved 5K widescreen display with voice- or gesture-control that spans the width of the “Oasis” in front of its passengers. In manual mode, it presents the most important information in condensed form. The images of the electronic rear view mirrors are dimmed when not needed.

The steering wheel from ZF folds flat and thus turns into a keyboard or work surface. The car thus becomes a self-driving office on wheels, complete with Office productivity software and Skype video telephony with live translation. The personal assistant not only knows which of the occupants is talking to it at the time, but also in what language the occupant speaks. The “Oasis” passengers are able to exchange and share interesting news on social media channels by using swiping gestures. In keeping with a ten-year tradition, a mechanical Carl F. Bucherer watch is integrated on the steering column. What is more: On the “Oasis,” the new Manero Flyback is rewound by the steering motions.

TOYOTA SHOWCASES CONCEPT-I

Toyota’s Concept-i showcases the company's views that vehicles of the future should start with the people who use them.  The Concept-i was designed by Toyota’s CALTY Design Research in Newport Beach, California, while the user experience technology was developed in the Toyota Innovation Hub in San Francisco. The 'Kinetic Warmth' philosophy is what the Concept-i has been created around. The philosophy is centred around the fact that mobility technology must be warm, welcoming and fun. The Concept-i has resulted in a focus on building an immersive and energetic user experience. It is also able to anticipate people's needs and improve qualitative experiences by leveraging the power of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system.

The AI in Concept-i is capable of learning alongside the driver and builds a meaningful and human relationship. The AI is able to recognise driving patterns, schedules, measure emotions which have been mapped against where and when the driver travels around the world. The AI system also leverages advanced automated vehicle technologies to help improve driving safety using and combine with visual and haptic stimuli to augment communication based on driver responsiveness.

Concept-i avoids screens on the central console to reveal information when and where it’s needed. Coloured lights in the foot wells indicate whether the vehicle is in automated or manual drive; discrete projectors in the rear deck project views onto the seat pillar to help warn about blind spots, and a next-generation head up helps keep the driver’s eyes and attention on the road.

VOLKSWAGEN DEMONSTRATES FUTURE OF DIGITAL PERSONALISATION

Under the slogan “We are always on,” Volkswagen enabled CES 2017 attendees to experience its vision of tomorrow’s mobility, moving away from the traditional car and consumer relationship, towards a new digital community—one that is intelligently connected and sustainably mobile.

Visitors to the show experienced this conception live, in three themed zones. In the “Connected Community,” the focus was on the interconnected consumer. Using a unique Volkswagen User-ID, each user was able to configure his or her personal digital preferences, enabling them to easily take them from one Volkswagen to another. No matter which vehicle they entered, their favourite music, screen configurations and optimal seating positions greeted them on arrival. “Intuitive Usability” then provided a preview of future control concepts—from a three-dimensional instrument cluster and Eyetracking sensors to an AR Head-up Display.

In the “Smart Sustainability” zone, Volkswagen used the North American debut of the electric I.D. concept car to demonstrate zero-emissions and autonomous driving in combination with an all-new design style. The I.D. brings together the four Volkswagen fields of innovation: Connected Community, Intuitive Usability, Smart Sustainability and Automated Driving.