In connected car news are Cognizant, Elektrobit, Hyundai Mobis, Rohm, ZF LIFETEC, Motive, EsayPark & Geotab.
Cognizant and Elektrobit Partner for SDV Development
Cognizant has announced a collaboration with Elektrobit to integrate Elektrobit’s Software Development Kit (SDK) for EB corbos AdaptiveCore into its software-defined vehicle (SDV) solution accelerator. This enhanced accelerator, featuring Adaptive AUTOSAR technology, aims to help OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers develop scalable and cost-efficient SDV architectures. By incorporating AI-driven productivity tools, the solution accelerates development, improves testing, enhances quality, and reduces costs. The partnership addresses software complexity, cybersecurity risks, and ecosystem orchestration while enabling modular development. The collaboration seeks to improve vehicle functionality, streamline processes, and support future software upgrades and subscription services, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and competitiveness.
Hyundai Mobis Unveils Movable Sound System
Hyundai Mobis has introduced a new movable sound system synchronized with its rollable display, enhancing automotive interior design and user experience. The system dynamically adjusts speaker angles based on display deployment, ensuring optimal sound quality across different driving scenarios. The 30-inch rollable display, first developed by Hyundai Mobis two years ago, expands or contracts to balance entertainment and driving safety. When fully expanded in idle mode, the speakers direct sound towards the windshield, while during driving, they focus audio toward the driver.
At CES 2024, Hyundai Mobis also showcased its Holographic Windshield Transparent Display and premium in-vehicle systems. Strengthening its presence in the premium sound market, the company has partnered with Meridian to develop next-generation in-vehicle audio. Through these innovations, Hyundai Mobis continues to redefine mobility by integrating advanced infotainment, display, and sound technologies for a superior driving experience.
Rohm Expands Chip Resistor Lineup
Rohm has introduced the MCRx family of general-purpose chip resistors, including the high-power MCRS series and the low-resistance MCRL series, to support miniaturization and enhanced performance across various applications. Designed to meet the increasing demands of automotive and industrial markets, these resistors offer improved power ratings, temperature stability, and a broad range of sizes, enabling greater design flexibility.
The MCRx family features a redesigned internal structure that enhances production efficiency, quality, and reliability, making it suitable for electric vehicles, communications infrastructure, and factory automation. Compliant with AEC-Q200 automotive standards, the series ensures long-term stable supply for critical applications. Future expansions will introduce even smaller, high-temperature-resistant variants, including fully lead-free options, aligning with environmental regulations. Rohm remains committed to advancing resistor technology to support ongoing industry innovation and miniaturization.
ZF LIFETEC Develops Active Heel Airbag
ZF LIFETEC has introduced the Active Heel Airbag to enhance occupant safety in vehicles with adjustable comfort seating positions. Designed to provide a stable heel impact point, the system ensures effective deployment of knee airbags and reduces the risk of leg and foot injuries during crashes.
In conventional seating, the vehicle floor supports the feet, enabling proper knee airbag engagement. However, in relaxed positions with seats pushed back, feet may lose contact with the floor, increasing injury risks. The Active Heel Airbag inflates beneath the floor carpet to create a secure impact point, stabilizing leg movement. On the driver’s side, it integrates with pedal positioning and can be activated via a button or camera-based monitoring for assisted driving scenarios.
Compact and adaptable to various vehicle models, the Active Heel Airbag will be available in 2028, reinforcing ZF LIFETEC’s leadership in passive safety innovations.
Motive Introduces AI-Powered Safety Features to Combat Drowsy Driving in Mexico
Motive, an AI-powered operations platform, has launched new AI-driven safety features in Mexico to address the growing issue of distracted and drowsy driving. The introduction of AI-powered Drowsiness Detection and Forward Collision Warning aims to help fleet safety managers prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue.
According to the Mexican Institute of Transportation, nearly half of traffic collisions in 2023 were linked to driver actions, including fatigue-induced errors. Long shifts and labor shortages contribute to dangerous driving behaviors, such as drifting into oncoming traffic and unsafe lane changes.
Motive’s AI-powered Drowsiness Detection uses dual-facing dashcams to monitor signs of fatigue, including frequent yawning and closed eyes. When drowsiness is detected, drivers receive real-time in-cab alerts, and safety managers are notified to intervene. If a driver begins to fall asleep, an immediate in-cab alert is triggered to prevent a crash.
The AI-powered Forward Collision Warning system further enhances safety by detecting when drivers approach other vehicles too quickly. By analyzing speed, distance, and time to impact, it provides timely alerts that help reduce rear-end collisions by 27%.
Motive’s AI Dashcam also detects other risky behaviors, including phone use, unsafe lane changes, and speeding. Customers using the system have reported up to an 80% reduction in accidents and significant decreases in insurance and accident-related costs.
Looking ahead, Motive plans to introduce a Driver Fatigue Index (DFI), which will integrate multiple fatigue indicators, such as lane swerving, eye behavior, and environmental signals, to further refine fatigue detection and improve road safety.
EasyPark Group Acquires Parkopedia to Enhance Global Mobility Solutions
EasyPark Group has completed the acquisition of Parkopedia, a global leader in connected car services and mobility data. This strategic move aims to create a seamless driver experience by integrating Parkopedia’s in-car data and payment technology with EasyPark’s digital parking solutions.
The acquisition builds on a decade-long partnership, enabling advanced integration across parking, EV charging, fueling, and tolling services. It enhances mobility for drivers, automakers, and cities by providing data-driven insights and improving transportation efficiency. Investment firms backing the deal have not disclosed transaction details.
Geotab Study Highlights Need for Better Support for Commercial Drivers
A new study by Geotab Inc. reveals the growing challenges faced by commercial drivers, emphasizing the need for stronger support systems to improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and enhance road safety. With driver shortages persisting, high turnover rates are increasing costs for recruitment and training, while road safety concerns continue to rise.
The study highlights key issues, including excessive speeding to meet job demands, congestion-related difficulties, and widespread mobile phone use by other drivers. With trucking costs reaching $2.27 per mile and driver replacement costs ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, investing in better training and support systems is essential.
Geotab stresses the direct link between driver wellbeing and the overall performance of the transportation industry, advocating for ongoing training and safety measures to improve working conditions and road safety.