Guide to top autonomous and connected car demos/displays at CES: from auto to tech suppliers

CES 2017 will have more automotive autonomous and connected car technology than ever before. Here is AUTO Connected Car News’ ultimate guide to the automotive connected car technology at CES 2017 all in one place. In fact, the Autonomous Vehicle Marketplace — formally known as Vehicle Intelligence — has grown by 75 percent since its inception at CES 2014. Many of the companies at CES are nominated for AUTO Connected Car News’ Tech CARS Awards, you are welcome to vote for your favorites. There are several themes for CES this year:

• Autonomous self-driving sensors, platforms and devices.
• Mobility solutions.
• New safety features and gesture technology.
• Cheaper LiDAR and fusion systems.
• Infotainment open source platforms.
• V2V, V21 and V2X.
•  Major automakers getting into the autonomous and mobility scenes.
• The opening of the 5G pipeline from Qualcomm and AT&T.

We previously covered these CES autonomous and connected car announcements:

• Continental will showcase, in-vehicle biometrics, cloud solutions, new “Intelligent Glass Control,” 3D display surface, new vehicle surroundings sensor and control unit for automated driving,  Zonar and augmented reality systems. Continental is also introducing a CB radio app through real-time, ad hoc voice-and location-based digital social network.
• Delphi and Mobileye will demo a fusion system called CSLP that fuses camera and sensor data to get more accurate positioning in areas where GPS signals may be obstructed.
• Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), a collaborative project developing an open platform for the connected car, is showing the most advanced version to date of its AGL infotainment platform and also serving up dinner for invited guests only.
• Rinspeed’s Oasis an autonomous connected car with built-in garden & airport pick-up.

Here are the major companies, technologies and services that to be revealed at CES 2017 January 3-8 (including media days) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

FCA Chrysler Uconnect & New Reveal

On Tuesday, January 3,  FCA US will hold a news conference at 1:45 pm. FCA is expected to announce the electric Chrysler Pacfiica mini however. The company will show its latest Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FCA will not be attending the Detroit Auto Show this year. FCA’s Chrysler Pacifica is nominated for AUTO Connected Car News’ Tech Awards, you are welcome to vote.

Faraday Future

On Tuesday January 3 in the evening, Faraday Future will offer a big VIP Press reveal event that is both indoors and outdoors.

Audi Traffic Light Notifications

Audi Launches First Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Technology in the U.S. Starting in Las Vegas.

Audi is the first manufacturer to launch V2I technology in the U.S. in select 2017 Audi A4, Q7 and allroad models in Las Vegas.

Honda AI Robotics & Mobility

Through artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data to transform the mobility experience, Honda announced that “Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem” will be the theme for its participation at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Honda will kick off its CES presence with an 11:00 am PST press conference on January 5, 2017 (LVCC, North Hall – 7312).

Honda will feature interactive and immersive experiences designed to showcase a future technology path toward a redefined mobility experience. From reducing traffic congestion to creating new modes of in-car connectivity, visitors will have an opportunity to explore and demo technologies with the potential to make people’s lives better. The exhibit will include the NeuV, a concept automated EV commuter vehicle equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) called “emotion engine”1 that creates new possibilities for human interaction and new value for customers.

Continuing its pursuit of open innovation and collaboration, Honda also will announce initiatives with startup companies and global brands that will create a more productive and enjoyable mobility experience.

The January 5, 2017 Honda press conference at CES will feature a keynote address from Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, President & CEO of Honda R&D Co., Ltd, who will unveil a concept motorcycle demonstrating an application of the company’s robotics technology.

Hyundai Self-Driving, VR, & Mobility Vision

Hyundai will demo its autonomous Hyundai Ioniq Electric by invitation only. They will also be showing robotic exoskeletons that enable paraplegics to walk again, empower the military to run up to run at 12 km/h with assistive joint torques, and give factory workers the ability to lift up to 8X what they normally can with ease. The Hyundai Ioniq is nominated for a Tech CARS Award, vote if you think it should win.

Autonomous IONIQ models will operate on test routes in the boulevards around CES, while inside visitors can experience a driverless journey via immersive Virtual Reality simulators. The IONIQ Hybrid on display and a new Micro Mobility concept, integrated with the IONIQ Electric, will showcase the future of first- and last-mile mobility.

Hyundai Motor will also present an interactive experience to demonstrate how its hyper-connected car platform, developed with leading global IT company Cisco, will be central to making tomorrow’s lifestyles even more convenient. Hyundai Motor’s caring ‘Mobility Vision’ concept shows how Smart House and Connected Car technologies will blur the lines between mobility, and living and working spaces.

The Healthcare Cockpit connects car and driver to boost productivity or relaxation when travelling.

NVIDIA

Starting off CES 2017 NVIDIA co-founder and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang will deliver the event’s preshow address at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Ford Adds More Autonomous Fusion AVs

Ford Motor Company is introducing its next-generation Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle, just in time for CES.

The new vehicle uses the current Ford autonomous vehicle platform, but ups the processing power with new computer hardware. Electrical controls are closer to production-ready, and adjustments to the sensor technology, including placement, allow the car to better see what’s around it. New LiDAR sensors have a sleeker design and more targeted field of vision, which enables the car to now use just two sensors rather than four, while still getting just as much data.

The new vehicle also evolves the two main elements to creating an autonomous vehicle – the autonomous vehicle platform, which is an upgraded version of the car itself, and the virtual driver system.

Merecedes-Benz

Mercedes-Bens will reveal its new corporate strategy CASE, with its four pillars Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Service and Electric Drive. The Concept EQ and the Mercedes-Benz Vision Van will share a stage for the first time. Under the banner “Fit&Healthy”, Mercedes-Benz will present a vision of how society’s increasing health consciousness can be intelligently combined with future mobility. With exhibits on artificial intelligence and on connecting the vehicle to the “smart home”, Mercedes-Benz will provide insights into the latest work of its research and development teams. Moderated live discussions led by Guy Kawaski with Mercedes-Benz experts will be streamed live via Facebook and the Daimler Media site.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen is expected tot show Concept ID is electric “rolling lounge” interior and or the Vokswagen Mircobus or Kombi. Volkswagen has created an “app” experience for its booth.

With the Volkswagen User-ID the user can configure your personal settings at the user stations on the Volkswagen booth. An array of different functions can be performed directly within the app itself. In the Connected Car visitor experience personal configurations live.

Using Beacon technology, the app sends a a push message detailing important information on cars and specially selected highlights that might otherwise have remained unknown.

HERE Will Be There

HERE will be at Central Plaza booth #CP-2. Through digital simulations, videos, virtual reality, interactive kiosks and mobile devices,HERE will provide hands-on demonstrations of HERE HD Live Map and HERE Auto SDK, and offer a first look at the next-gen HERE Open Location Platform.

HERE HD Live Maps was been named as one of the ten greatest automotive innovations of the year. HERE announced a partnership to share data and services with Mobileye.

Magna’s Unique UI

Future mobility will continue to be a key topic at CES, and Magna has created a unique experience for attendees. At the Magna booth #5936, North Hall LVCC, attendees will use Microsoft’s HoloLens mixed-reality technology to personally experience the car of the future. The self-contained, holographic computer allows attendees to experience unique future vehicle technology including:

• Cameras, sensors, LiDAR, and radar systems that enable autonomous driving
• Seat sensors that provide continuous feedback to the driver
• Active aerodynamic fuel efficiency technology
• Various powertrain architectures from multiple hybrid variants to full electrification

In addition, the company will showcase its latest ADAS innovations and how they are helping automakers reach various autonomous driving levels today and for the future.

Magna’s booth at CES is located at Magna booth #5936, North Hall LVCC.

Visteon Visit

Visteon will showcase its latest innovations for the connected car. It will debut of its next-generation infotainment platform, Phoenix, which is designed to unlock innovation by enabling third-party developers to create apps easily, while delivering built-in cybersecurity and over-the-air updates. Based on HTML5 and offering a JavaScript-based application program interface (API), Phoenix is the first automotive infotainment system to offer SDK and software simulation to enable easy development of apps.

Other highlights of Visteon’s exhibit include an in-vehicle augmented reality windshield head-up display (HUD) that overlays virtual information directly in the driver’s sight; a full range of all-digital instrument clusters; and an array of eye-catching information displays that will become the primary interface with consumers as new mobility models and autonomous driving continue to evolve.

Visteon experts in artificial intelligence and ADAS also will share an innovative autonomous vehicle program that is in development.

GENIVI IVI Tech

The GENIVI Alliance, an open, collaborative development community of automakers and their suppliers driving the broad adoption of open source in-Vehicle (IVI) software and open technology for the connected car, will demonstrate a full range of its active connected car collaborations during CES 2017.

GENIVI will exhibit the result of an active collaboration with the Open Connectivity Foundation on vehicle-to-smart home connectivity, using the GENIVI Remote Vehicle Interaction (RVI) technology. Located at the Sands Expo in the Smart Home Marketplace (Booth #40930), the demonstration will show how in-home smart devices like a thermostat or smart television can be controlled from the connected vehicle. Likewise, the vehicle’s windows, mirrors, and lights will be securely controlled through a gesture-enabled smart device showing IoT capabilities.

RVI is open source software that enables connected vehicles to communicate and interact in real-time with municipal infrastructures, data centers, public transportation, and other connected vehicles of all kinds. In 2017, GENIVI plans to field test RVI in a smart city context as well as fully deploy RVI in the GENIVI Development Platform (GDP).

GENIVI will host two panel discussions during SAE’s “Connect2Vehicle” conference track on January 5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Topics will include discussions on connected car technology integration and defining standards for automotive software development.

GENIVI is throwing an exclusive event at the Bellagio for industry members. GENIVI’s, president Matt Jones is nominated for a Tech CARS Award.

Airbiquity Demos & Showcasing

Airbiquity Executives will Demonstrate Software & Data Management Offering at CES 2017 and Participate in the GENIVI Demonstration Showcase and Reception.

Airbiquity a global leader in connected car services, will showcase its innovative over-the-air (OTA) Software & Data Management offering at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).  During CES, Airbiquity executives will host customers, analysts, and press at the Aria Hotel, where they’ll be conducting presentations and demos of the Software & Data Management product which efficiently manages software updates and data collection for both single and multi-ECUs, powering critical systems and components across the vehicle platform.

As more and more connected vehicles are enabled to receive OTA software updates—as well as export operational and driving behavior data—automakers will need a way to efficiently manage the increasing complexity of doing OTA for millions of vehicles with a multitude of electronic components, systems, and software files from numerous suppliers. Airbiquity’s Software & Data Management solution addresses this need with a robust, automated service delivery capability specifically tailored to the unique needs of automotive. Using a back-end service management portal, automakers can efficiently manage both OTA software updates and data collection—at scale—with highly refined vehicle and device targeting, discrete policy and privacy controls, and customizable consumer notifications to name a few features.

Savari, NXP & AT&T LTE V2X Demos

Savari will be giving V2X safety driving demos out of the Gold Lot (where the automotive booths and demos are located). Savari will be featured in the NXP and AT&T booths. In the NXP booth, visitors will be able to learn about V2X technology and Savari will be demonstrating V2V, V2I and V2P applications on the streets around the Las Vegas Convention Center. In the AT&T booth, visitors will be able to see the industry’s first demo of V2X to V2I to LTE (cloud analysis) and back out to LTE-equipped cars and smartphones. The latter is a solution for communicating roadside safety information to vehicles that are not yet equipped with V2X technology. Other companies showing their wares in this area will be Microsoft, NXP, IAV and Esri. NXP is nominated for a Tech CARS Award.

Qualcomm Speaks 5G

Qualcomm Incorporated CEO Steve Mollenkopf will take the keynote stage at CES 2017 at 9 AM on Friday, January 6 in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian. He will discuss the revolutionary impact 5G will have in our day-to-day life, both from a technological and experiential perspective, as well as its broader impact on industries outside of mobile.

BMW Halo Touch

The BMW Group will show trailblazing concepts and revolutionary technology. The BMW HoloActive Touch system, for example, will be making its debut at the show. This innovative interface between the driver and vehicle acts like a virtual touchscreen; its free-floating display is operated using finger gestures and confirms the commands with what the driver perceives as tactile feedback. BMW HoloActive Touch is part of the BMW inside the Future study.

BMW HoloActive Touch brings together the advantages of the BMW Head-Up Display, BMW gesture control and direct touchscreen operation, and adds extra features to create a unique form of user interface. For the first time, the functions can be controlled without any physical contact with materials, but the technology still enables the visible and tangible driver-vehicle interaction familiar from conventional touchscreens. BMW HoloActive Touch also allows the user to access the wide variety of services provided by BMW Connected. The seamless integration of the personal digital mobility companion is highlighted even more vividly by the extremely intuitive interaction.

BMW HoloActive Touch takes operating these functions and interacting with the vehicle to another level. Similarly to the Head-Up Display, the image of a full-colorr display is generated by clever use of reflections – but now in free-floating form within the interior rather than through projection onto the windscreen. It displays flexibly configurable control pads and is visible to the driver next to the steering wheel at the height of the centre console. A camera detects the driver’s hand movements within this ergonomically user-friendly area, and registers the position of their fingertips, in particular. As soon as a fingertip makes contact with one of these virtual control surfaces, a pulse is emitted and the relevant function is activated.

Mobileye

Professor Shashua Co-founder, Chairman and CTO of Mobileye is scheduled to present at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) on Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). Delphi and Mobileye’s collaboration CSLP is nominated for a Tech CARS Award.

Elektrobit Autonomous Driving Platform

At CES EB will be focused on its new autonomous driving platform, which is making it quicker, easier and more efficient for automakers to develop and bring to market vehicles with highly automated driving features. The EB booth will feature demos of self-driving and valet-parking autonomous vehicles, developed using EB software.

EB will also be making several announcements at the show including news relative to its work with partners in the industry

Elektrobit announced EB Assist ADTF 3 to accelerate the software development of highly automated driving (HAD) systems. This new version of an established tool gives carmakers and suppliers an edge in the race toward driverless cars by providing the foundation to quickly develop, test and bring to market highly automated vehicles.

Supported by a customer consortium of premium German carmakers and suppliers, EB Assist ADTF (Automotive Data and Time-Triggered Framework) is a globally established tool for the development, testing, validation and visualization of advanced driver assistance software and HAD systems. The newest version optimizes these processes with improved data handling and usability. A new multi-process concept boosts stability in the testing phase by compensating for increased software complexity. Overall increased performance encourages rapid fleet evolution by enhancing how carmakers can use the tool to keep up with fast-paced HAD development.

EB Assist ADTF 3 will be available as of January 2017.

MAGNA

Magna International Inc. and Innoviz Technologies Ltd. are partnering to deliver LiDAR remote sensing solutions for the implementation of autonomous driving features and full autonomy in future vehicles.

Recognizing that LiDAR is imperative for achieving the desired levels of performance and safety, Magna selected Innoviz’s technology to be integrated into its autonomous driving systems to provide a complete sensor-fusion solution to automakers.

Innoviz’s prototype demo LiDAR devices will be showcased in Magna’s booth at CES 2017, #5936 in the North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 5-8.

Driven by a unique hardware architecture and innovative software technologies, Innoviz offers a comprehensive market solution. The high-definition, solid-state LiDAR enables 3D remote sensing to produce highly accurate real-time images of the vehicle’s surroundings while meeting automotive standards and significantly reducing cost and size. Varying from solutions currently on the market, the Innoviz LiDAR can be seamlessly integrated into any vehicle and is designed to effectively manage changing light and weather conditions.

DENSO Demos Holographics VIVE, PEV & Robots

Conceptual technologies being featured during the CES will be:

DENSO’s Holographic Haptic Controller uses light to project holograms and ultrasonic sound waves to create haptic feedback, allowing the user to control the vehicle systems mid-air without physically touching a button.

VIVE the Virtual Reality Experience – Users will be able to select from two game scenarios played in glass cubes visible to the CES show floor.

The first experience will feature DENSO’s V2X (vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure) technology, where users will learn about managing traffic flow in a city environment. The game will demonstrate how V2X technology can help to manage complicated traffic situations, efficiently and safely.

The second experience focused on Manufacturing, will enable the player to help assemble a DENSO product. Users will experience the complexity of manufacturing and assembly and improve their understanding of the uses of robotics in manufacturing for safety sensitive tasks.

DENSO and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) next generation Persuasive Electric Vehicle (PEV), will provide a glimpse into the future possibilities of autonomous transportation using today’s technology. The concept includes wireless charging, glowing exterior lighting for autonomous, semi-autonomous and regular driving modes, as well as a micro-HVAC system that heats and cools the PEV.

Touchless Human-Machine Interface (HMI) – As an experimental look at the future of vehicle cockpit control, this technology features a gesture control system that tracks eye and head movements using sensors, enabling the driver to make decisions in the vehicle without having to take their hands off the wheel.

DENSO’s COBOTTA robots show the potential for humans and robots collaborating for improved quality of life. Practical applications of this futuristic robot include working together as a cooking aid in the kitchen, serving as a lab assistant in research, or simply helping accomplish everyday tasks. The company’s demonstration will include one robot taking the visitor’s photo and the second sketching their portrait within minutes. Additionally, the booth will include a “Barista-bot” which will prepare, brew and serve coffee to visitors.

Quanergy: Bye-Bye Chicken Bucket at CES

Quanergy Systems, received the CES2017 ‘Best of Innovation’ Award in the vehicle intelligence category for its S3 solid state LiDAR sensor. The S3 is the first and only compact, low-cost, automotive-grade solid state LiDAR sensor, with high reliability and superior capability. The sensor can be concealed into the body of any vehicle, ensuring uncompromised design aesthetics and aerodynamics. Its ability to perform real-time 3D mapping and object detection, tracking and classification, enables autonomous driving. In order to win the award the company must be displaying at CES.

According to an email from their PR rep:

“Quanergy is announcing a major breakthrough in LiDAR that will enable mass production of self driving vehicles. This looks nothing like existing LiDAR (the spinning chicken bucket on self driving cars), and is many times less expensive. As you probably know, the cost of LiDAR is maybe the biggest hurdle for mass production of autonomous cars.”

RT-RK Automotive Machine Vision for Qualcomm

RT-RK, a leading embedded and automotive software development house in Southeast Europe announced plans to showcase a software development kit, dubbed RT-RK AMV (Automotive Machine Vision), intended for rapid development of multi-sensor algorithms for informational advanced driver assistance (ADAS) purposes integrated with infotainment functions, for the car.

RT-RK will demonstrate AMV platform and Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 820A processor together running reference ADAS algorithms and infotainment applications. AMV provides a software model to develop algorithms which utilize available sensors (cameras, proximity), as well as multiple processing cores (CPUs, DSPs and GPUs) in an efficient way, in order to provide for the development of complex, computer vision and machine learning– based applications. AMV is a low level SW development kit, operational under Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), acting as a middleware stack which provides APIs to informational ADAS application developers to implement algorithm pipelines in an efficient, cost-effective and platform-agnostic manner.

3D LiDAR from iLuminia