Held at Las Vegas, US, between January 07-10, 2020, the CES 2020 was big on the display of automotive technology that can change the world.
Story by: Ashish Bhatia
Exhibiting the latest and the most futuristic trends including protos, the leading consumer electronics show allowed a peekaboo into the future roadmap under works by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). The 2020 edition of the leading consumer electronics fair lived up to its expectations by playing big on the roadmap for CASE enabled mobility ecosystem. Averred Niranjan Manohar, Research Director, Mobility Practice, Frost & Sullivan, that the next decade is expected to outlay the perception of future of mobility. “It will play an important role in the lives of people without being a scene from a science fiction movie. This next decade will be an answer to all the investments that have gone into making mobility a seamless option involving key elements from the Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electrified domains,” he opined.
CES 2020 made a strong case for trends including 5G, V2X and Practical Autonomy (L2/L2+ and L3), Next-gen In-vehicle Infotainment and Connected Services, the battle of the three CEs to level up, OEM roadmaps, and AI and Sensorisation. “CES 2020 inspired and connected every major industry across the globe,” said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES. “The innovation unveiled at CES 2020 will reshape industries, create jobs, fuel the global economy and improve lives around the world,” he opined. Ivanka Trump, Advisor to President Trump, joined the CES 2020 keynote stage for a discussion titled “The Path to the Future of Work.” Ms Trump took the keynote stage with Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA, where she discussed employer-led strategies to reskill workers, create apprenticeships and develop K-12 STEM education programs. Averred Trump, “CES has consistently proven to be one of the most influential technology events in the world and I am excited to join this year for a substantive discussion on the how the government is working with private sector leaders to ensure American students and workers are equipped to thrive in the modern, digital economy.”
Featuring the entire spectrum of transformative technology expected to redefine markets and shift business models, more than 150 vehicle tech exhibitors unveiled the latest in connected cars, self-driving vehicles and concept cars. As a launchpad for new innovation and technology, the automotive technologies that took centre stage at CES 2020 included a BMW showcase on mobility concepts. The i3 Urban suite presented was drawing attention to the importance of interiors and user experience. It was a sneak-peek into BMW’s shared EV experience and subscription services. Ola Källenius, Chairman of Daimler in his keynote address drew attention to Mercedes-Benz’s goal to showcase its branding around sustainable mobility with its EQ brand – the EQC, EQS and a new concept vehicle on display at the CES. “When you come to CES you ask yourself ‘What’s Next’ and that question is what we have been asking ourselves for 130 years,” he said. Joined on stage by director James Cameron to unveil Mercedes Benz’s latest concept car, the Vision AVTR, a partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Cameron’s film franchise, the car created an unmatched buzz seen in recent times with its advanced vehicle transformation. With no doors and 33 movable, multidirectional ‘bionic flaps’ designed smartly to resemble scales on a reptile, the Vision AVTR can detect one’s pulse and can sense the breathing. Mercedes designed the concept car to merge the passenger and automobile into a ‘symbiotic organism.’
Hyundai lived up to the expectation of going down the radical route to make a statement that it is no longer only a car manufacturer company but a transportation company according to Manohar. Hyundai showcased a model of the S-A1, an electrically powered “personal air vehicle” capable of carrying up to four passengers. Honda showcased several current and near-term use cases, making it more relatable. Mentioned Karen Chupka, Executive Vice President, CES, “Global technology brands blended with non-traditional tech companies showcased how innovation is furthering business across all markets – setting the stage for the decade ahead.” “CES has the unique ability for startups and young companies to get exposure to major global brands,” said Mara Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO, ID8 Innovation. At CES 2020, more than 1,200 companies from 46 countries featured within Eureka Park, offering disruptive Innovations, attracting investors and big-name brands.
BYTON announced its first wave of content partnerships, including ViacomCBS, to be featured on its 48-inch digital dashboard screen in the M-Byte SUV. Qualcomm – Debuted the Snapdragon Ride autonomous-driving platform. Sony – Unveiled the Vision S electric concept car featuring 33 different sensors and a newly-designed EV platform. It surprised with a debut of the electric concept car featuring an entirely new take on what the interior of a car could be and smartly featuring Sony products. Taiwan Excellence showcased multiple innovations from Taiwanese companies, including Noodoe’s intuitive charging stations for electric cars. Toyota showcased Woven City, its “prototype city of the future” where it can test autonomous vehicles, innovative street design, smart home technology, robotics, and new mobility products. Valeo unveiled its autonomous, electric delivery droid prototype, Valeo eDeliver4U. ZF showcased Level 2+ semi-automated driving systems for passenger cars and Level 4 fully automated driving systems for commercial vehicles.
Widespread AI demos signified it as the ‘key ingredient technology’ over the next decade. Brunswick, Doosan, John Deere and Kyocera were among companies to debut their latest AI solutions. Crucial to the era of connected cars, connectivity, transportation, augmented and virtual reality, digital health came together at CES. Carriers and mobile operators, such as Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Nokia and Ericsson, demonstrated the latest advancements in 5G’s speed, reliability and efficiency in a boost to automakers. John Deere was featured big in the AI and Robotics Marketplace. CTA also partnered with the World Bank Group at CES 2020 on a Global Tech Challenge urging stakeholders globally to focus on technologies and enable communities to be resilient. ACI