In connected car news are Furukawa Electric, indie Semiconductor, Subaru, Altair, Oasys, Helios, Hyundai & Kia.
Furukawa Electric Joins AECC
The Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) announced that a world leader in information and communication solutions, Furukawa Electric, has joined as a member. The AECC is a non-profit consortium of cross-industry players working to drive best practices for the vehicle, mobility, and computing convergence.
As a member of the Consortium, Furukawa Electric will collaborate with AECC members to evaluate the work being done by mobile network operators, automotive manufacturers, communication, cloud and other related technology standards bodies and technology communities to ensure that new technologies and standards will meet the future needs of connected vehicles.
Furukawa Electric’s group purpose is: “Composing the core of a brighter world.” The company’s vision for 2030 is: “In order to build a sustainable world and make people’s life safe, peaceful and rewarding.” Furukawa Electric Group will create solutions for the new generation of global infrastructure combining information, energy and mobility.”
Furukawa Electric Group has been contributing to the global field of information and communications by providing a wide range of products, from optical fiber, cable, and optical devices to routers and networking systems. In addition, the company has also established a presence in the automotive-parts operations, contributing to the realization of safe, secure, and comfortable automobiles through wire harnesses and functional products. Their expertise in communications solutions and dependable automotive systems will help the AECC support high-performance, highly reliable communications and robust networks for the automotive region. Furukawa Electric will work with the global AECC members to identify more efficient ways to support the high-volume data and intelligent services required for distributed computing and network infrastructures.
The AECC accelerates the development of connected vehicle best practices, proofs of concept and new use cases by sharing relevant findings, requirements and technology solutions with industry standards organizations. The AECC’s vision is to create a new era where connected vehicles use high-volume data to help improve safety, sustainability, reliability and the driving experience.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Furukawa Electric to the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium,” said the AECC Board of Directors in a joint statement. “Furukawa Electric has the technology and experience to make an invaluable contribution to AECC’s work, as we collaborate on solutions for the next generation of the connected vehicle.”
New indie Semiconductor SoC
indie Semiconductor (Nasdaq: INDI), an automotive solutions innovator, has announced iND87204, its next-generation, highly-integrated automotive wireless charging system-on-chip (SoC). Fully compliant with the Wireless Power Consortium’s (WPC) Qi 2.0 technical standard, iND87204 also extends support to the new Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) feature – branded “Qi2” by the WPC – bringing an improved charging experience by magnetically aligning devices with inductive charger coils for more energy efficient, reliable and convenient charging. The SoC integrates multiple Arm® Cortex® processors for application and WPC stack processing, and all of the key in-vehicle serial interfaces, power management, DC-DC conversion, signal conditioning, WPC inverter drivers, power FETs and peripheral drivers to enable a fully Qi2-compliant wireless charging solution delivering up to 15 watts of power.
With the growing ubiquity of wireless charging capability within portable devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, drivers and passengers now expect the convenience of wireless device charging in their vehicles on the move. WPC’s latest standard featuring the MPP capability will accelerate the demand for automotive wireless charging due to its much-improved charging reliability enabled by maintaining portable devices in the optimal position irrespective of a vehicle’s motion. Enabled by semiconductor technology, the global in-car automotive wireless charger market is estimated1 at U.S. $1.9 billion in 2024, and is forecasted to grow to $13.6 billion by 2034-end, representing a 21.9% CAGR over this period.
“Drivers and passengers are demanding seamless, rapid and more reliable portable device charging experiences in-vehicle. Building upon the success of our first-generation wireless charging solution iND87200, the iND87204 delivers on this vision, featuring the industry’s highest component integration for a Qi2 MPP-compliant SoC design, while simultaneously reducing the implementation footprint and external bill-of-materials by up to 50% relative to existing solutions,” said Fred Jarrar, vice president and general manager of indie Semiconductor’s Power and ASIC Business Unit. “Our iND87204 solution is supported by high levels of SoC integration and turn-key firmware designs, speeding time to market for our customers while also derisking their developments. The iND87204’s system innovation will help to accelerate OEM deployment of mass-market Qi2-based automotive charging, and create a more engaging in-cabin experience for consumers.”
Subaru Uses Informatica Cloud
Informatica a leader in enterprise AI-powered cloud data management, today announced that SUBARU Corporation (SUBARU) has chosen to implement Informatica’s AI-powered Intelligent Data Management Cloud™ (IDMC), to enable the automaker to drive a global-scale data integration project.
SUBARU was faced with siloed data and utilization issues in 2019 with each department and operation handling data in isolated systems which resulted in disparate data. In 2020, SUBARU launched their global PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) project with an aim to consolidate data from business-critical processes, from vehicle development to production and after-sales maintenance, and develop a company-wide data integration platform to connect, track and share trusted data across their departments. The data integration platform supporting the global PLM project was completed in 2022 and went “live” in production that year, enabling lifetime data such as vehicle development to manufacturing, sales and maintenance, to customer IDs and other information to be seamlessly linked.
“With the help of Informatica, we are able to connect, integrate and strengthen our data linkage as early as technical development and design stages, and thus improve the quality of our car manufacturing,” said Kentaro Ichikawa, Chief of the Data Management and Utilization Promotion Department at SUBARU Corporation. “As our AI-powered data management partner, Informatica plays an integral part in our data integration project. The transformation brought SUBARU closer to realizing our two missions as it not only benefited our employees’ productivity level but also enhanced the customer experience.”
Informatica’s AI-powered IDMC platform and its cloud data integration and catalog capabilities enable SUBARU to curate data from its development, procurement, manufacturing, sales and maintenance services on a global scale to drive business insights from reliable and trustworthy data. The low-code/no-code environment within IDMC also enables SUBARU to scale its data integration through automation and eliminate data silos to allow users to drive greater data visibility across business functions from their business intelligence (BI) tool.
As of now, approximately 400 data assets have been cataloged and SUBARU plans to expand the range of users who utilize the data integration platform in their daily work through BI tool in the future.
“SUBARU’s decision to move to a single, AI-powered cloud data management platform with a consumption-based pricing model allowed them to advance at their own pace and remain flexible and adaptive to their business environment and needs,” said Taito Kozawa, Country Manager and President of Informatica Japan. “Informatica is proud to be the partner of choice for enterprise cloud data management to help SUBARU solve their upstream and downstream data challenges, empowering users across their organization to drive trusted business insights through transformative power of data on our AI-powered IDMC platform.”
Altair & Oasys Simulation
– Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR) a global leader in computational intelligence, and Oasys, the software house of Arup, a global collective of designers, consultants and experts dedicated to sustainable development, announced a joint development agreement to deliver an integrated solution for safety simulation modeling in the automotive market.
This solution will provide customers with a seamless workflow between Altair® HyperWorks®, a world-class design and simulation platform, and Oasys PRIMER, a market leading product for the preparation and modification of crash safety analysis models.
Accessible through the Altair HyperWorks environment, engineers will be able to seamlessly utilize the power of the combined platforms to prepare data for simulations.
“We are delighted to team up with Oasys, whose pedigree and strong market presence in crash simulation has long been admired,” said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. “The combination of the power of Altair HyperWorks and Oasys PRIMER will provide customers with an advanced solution for safety modeling.”
“Altair is a leader in the automotive simulation sector, and we look forward to seeing what our customers will achieve with this new solution,” said Peter Young, director, Oasys. “The Oasys Suite provides best-in-class solutions to accelerate and advance crash simulations, and this collaboration with Altair will catapult our joint offer.”
Powered by AI-augmented 3D modeling and visualization tools, and next-gen design and optimization workflows, Altair HyperWorks empowers users to effortlessly manage large and complex models, unveil critical insights, optimize designs, and foster innovation.
The Oasys Suite is a tailored set of tools which support users to analyze, build and share quality models and results with confidence. They are at the cutting edge of pre- and post-processing software and are used by customers worldwide.
For more information about the Altair HyperWorks design and simulation platform, visit https://altair.com/altair-hyperworks. For more information about Oasys PRIMER, visit https://www.oasys-software.com/dyna/software/primer/.
Helios Tech Valves
Helios Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: HLIO) (“Helios”), a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, introduces cartridge valve model FPJP, a unique industry leading cartridge valve that provides precise proportional control at high flow rates. Launched by Sun Hydraulics (“Sun”) a Helios Technologies operating company, FPJP is part of Sun’s electro-proportional flow control family.
This electro-proportional flow control valve delivers an industry leading flow rate of 114 gpm (431 L/min) and can operate at a maximum pressure of 5000 psi (350 bar). Specifically designed for use in the Sun cavity, it incorporates Sun’s floating style construction. This innovative design minimizes the risk of internal parts binding, which can occur due to excessive installation torque or machining inconsistencies — a common issue with industry standard cartridge valves.
“In a market where customers demand higher flow rates and operating pressures, Helios Technologies continues to innovate with high-performing screw-in cartridge valve solutions. The FPJP valve takes full advantage of Sun’s XMD Series valve driver co-developed in partnership with Helios operating company Enovation Controls. The XMD driver can be easily configured via Bluetooth using a mobile device or through Sun’s open PC-based software CANpoint™. Helios continues introducing market leading products and solutions demonstrating the power of our integrated operating company strategy as we leverage our research and development across our businesses,” said Sean Bagan, Interim President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Helios.
By combining FPJP’s high-capacity flow rates with the versatility of the XMD Series valve driver, a user can create compact solutions which are perfect for a wide array of on- and off-highway equipment. These innovative solutions are ideal for applications in agriculture, construction, earth moving, forestry, marine, and material handling.
Tradeshow
Sun Hydraulics will showcase the FPJP valve and other leading products and technologies at the iVT Expo starting today, August 21-22, 2024, in Chicago, IL. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for industry professionals and enthusiasts to experience firsthand the capabilities of our products and solutions.
About Sun Hydraulics
Founded in 1970, Sun Hydraulics is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds that control force, speed, and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. As a global operating company, Sun Hydraulics has continually enhanced its manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements, all while prioritizing the accustomed quality that customers around the world have come to expect. For more information please visit: www.sunhydraulics.com and follow up on LinkedIn.
About Helios Technologies
Helios Technologies is a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology for diverse end markets, including construction, material handling, agriculture, energy, recreational vehicles, marine and health and wellness. Helios sells its products to customers in over 90 countries around the world. Its strategy for growth is to be the leading provider in niche markets, with premier products and solutions through innovative product development and acquisition. The Company has paid a cash dividend to its shareholders every quarter since becoming a public company in 1997. For more information please visit: www.heliostechnologies.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Hyundai & Kia Heat Tech Day
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation unveiled three technologies designed to closely regulate vehicle interior temperature to deliver enhanced passenger comfort and energy efficiency at ‘Heat Tech Day’ in Seoul, South Korea.
The event showcased Hyundai Motor and Kia’s research and development achievements in temperature control, a crucial aspect of passenger comfort. As vehicles evolve beyond simple transportation and become living spaces, the companies are developing various temperature control technologies to meet the evolving needs for comfort in mobility.
These technologies not only improve comfort but also save energy, allowing efficient management of vehicle energy in the era of electrification. The three technologies unveiled were:
- Nano Cooling Film – this material significantly lowers interior temperature in hot weather when applied to vehicle glass.
- Radiant Heating System – quickly and efficiently raises the perceived temperature around passengers in cold weather.
- Metal-Coated Heated Glass – a world-first 48V system quickly transmits heat from the electrically powered metal coating to the glass, removing frost and moisture.
All three technologies are at the level of technological maturity suitable for mass production.
“The three technologies unveiled today are closer to customers than any other technology,” said Young Ho Jung, Vice President and Head of Thermal Energy Total Development Group at Hyundai Motor Company. “We are developing technologies to provide the most pleasant environment, considering every moment that customers experience in mobility.”
Nano Cooling Film: reduces temperature by up to 12°C
In July 2023, Hyundai Motor and Kia showcased various advanced nano-material technologies – particularly Nano Cooling Film, which can significantly lower a vehicle’s interior temperature.
During testing, Hyundai Motor and Kia each prepared multiple vehicles, applying Nano Cooling Film to one and leaving the other in its original state. Vehicles with regular glass and not equipped with Nano Cooling Film recorded an interior temperature of 48.5°C, compared with 36.0°C for the vehicles fitted with Nano Cooling Film, demonstrating a maximum temperature reduction of 12.5°C with the advanced technology applied.
Nano Cooling Film not only blocks infra-red radiation from outside the vehicle, like traditional tinting films, but also allows heat to escape from inside the vehicle. It comprises three layers, including two that reflect solar energy and one that emits mid-infrared wavelength.
It can lower interior temperatures by more than 12°C and can be used with existing tinting films without further impacting light transmission.
Last April, Hyundai Motor also conducted a campaign called ‘Made Cooler by Hyundai’, in which it installed transparent Nano Cooling Film for free on around 70 vehicles in Pakistan, where tinting is legally prohibited. This led to a positive response from residents[1].
In June, Hyundai Motor and Kia appeared at Cannes Lions 2024, the world’s largest advertising festival. They were invited as official seminar speakers to introduce their Nano Cooling Film technology and discuss the campaign launched in Pakistan. This marked the first time Hyundai Motor, among car manufacturers, hosted an official technology seminar at the Cannes Lions.
Underfloor Radiant Heating System warms passengers within minutes
Hyundai Motor and Kia also showcased the Radiant Heating System, a technology designed to quickly warm passengers during winter.
The Radiant Heating System uses a heating element that emits radiant heat towards passengers’ legs, quickly warming them during cold weather.
Alongside the vehicle’s existing heating system, the Radiant Heating System could conserve up to 17 percent more energy to reach a desired temperature, also saving time to reach this condition; the system delivers warmth to the lower body within three minutes, greatly enhancing passenger comfort.
Combined, the Radiant Heating System is expected to significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles in winter by reducing energy used for climate control.
The system comprises a high-temperature film-type heating element and a burn prevention system. The heating element, which can reach 110°C, is wrapped in a fabric material that emits infra-red rays and adjusts the heat to a comfortable level. A burn prevention system detects body contact and immediately lowers the temperature, improving safety by eliminating burn risks.
On Kia’s Radiant Heating System-equipped EV9, nine heating panels are installed, including on the steering column base, driver’s door and center console, as well as the passenger door and glove box base.
Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to incorporate the Radiant Heating System in future models.
Metal-Coated Heated Glass: removes frost and moisture to improve visibility
The pioneering Metal-Coated Heated Glass system quickly removes frost or moisture from a vehicle windshield during winter, offering improved visibility and increased safety compared with regular tungsten wire heating elements. Metal-Coated Heated Glass is invisible, providing a clear, undistorted view for occupants.
The 48V system can completely defrost the glass surface within five minutes at -18°C, up to four times faster and consuming around 10 percent less energy compared with conventional air-conditioning systems. Additionally, on hot days, the metal coating can passively block at least 60 percent of solar energy, reducing cabin cooling requirement to significantly improve energy efficiency.
Hyundai Motor and Kia have applied for patents for Metal-Coated Heated Glass in major domestic and foreign markets, with plans to implement the technology in future vehicles.
UK car manufacturer JLR is driving ahead with an initiative to increase driver awareness of critical advanced driving assistance (ADAS) systems, after its survey found many drivers are not clear about the technologies.
Latest vehicles are highly technologically advanced and now incorporate more ADAS features than ever before as standard, to support the driver, yet a JLR survey found 41 per cent of respondents are not clear what their ADAS systems do.
The survey also found large numbers of drivers do not realise safety critical ADAS systems, such as autonomous emergency braking or reversing collision detection systems can switch off when their cars’ sensors are obscured by dirt or other debris.