The world's largest trade fair for consumer electronics takes place annually in January at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Winchester. With more than 4,300 exhibitors, including a record number of more than 1,400 start-ups from around the world at Eureka Park®, CES in Las Vegas showcased the innovative trends that are shaping the future and solving the world's most pressing challenges.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was the main topic at CES 2024. Companies emphasised the enormous potential of AI to improve our world with innovative applications that will change the way we communicate, do business and take care of each other. This was also evident in the mobility sector.
With over 600 exhibitors from the mobility sector, CES is one of the world's largest and fastest growing events in the automotive, mobility and transport sectors. Exhibitors showcased the mobility ecosystem, with new tech highlights addressing the future of autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, micro-mobility, software-defined vehicles and flying cars, as well as the future of assistive mobility and safety systems.
Exhibitors included BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Magna, Mercedes, Paccar, Recaro, Sony, Supernal, Togg and Vinfast.
Volkswagen has also focussed on integrating artificial intelligence to improve the comfort and safety features of its vehicles. The car manufacturer announced that it was working with its partner Cerence ChatGPT to integrate AI into the IDA voice assistant in various models, such as the ID.7 and the new Golf.
Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the MBUX Virtual Assistant at CES 2024. With high-resolution game engine graphics from Unity, the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant sets itself apart from previous systems as a visual companion. The AI-supported assistant combines the intelligent MBUX systems into a single unit and presents a new design.
KIA presented a new modular van concept with a wide range of possibilities: The "Platform Beyond Vehicle" (PBV) should make it possible to take all-electric vehicles to a new level in terms of modularisation. The main body module is interchangeable and non-welded so that a vehicle can be used as a taxi, large saloon or van, for example. As a customisable platform, Kia PBVs are designed to realise the possibility of new business and lifestyles: through advanced, tailor-made interiors that offer freedom and flexibility, KIA enables unprecedented variability. But how does this work? The electromagnetic and mechanical connections can be easily detached and are to be delivered in standardised kits. KIA is starting with the PV 5, which will be available in four variants. These include a basic people carrier, a van, a high-roof variant and the chassis, which can be converted into a motorhome, for example. A robotaxi version is to follow in the future.
New brands from other countries presented their sustainably orientated electric vehicles. So-called "software-defined vehicles" took centre stage, such as the Turkish manufacturer Togg with the T10F or Vinfast from Vietnam with the five models VF5, VF6, VF7, VF8 and VF9.
Mobis, a subsidiary of Hyundai, is presenting Mobion, an e-car that can turn on the spot thanks to a 90-degree rotation of the wheels and enables diagonal driving - a dream for tight parking spaces.
The US vehicle manufacturer Nikola Motor Company presented the new Hâ‚‚ truck model "Nikola Tre FCEV", a fuel water cell truck that roars quietly over the roads and offers a range of up to 800 km. This makes it one of the longest-range, low-emission lorries in the world.
BMW offered its visitors the opportunity to discover the potential of augmented reality glasses as a virtual passenger and thus experience the performance of BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant as a vehicle expert with generative artificial intelligence. In cooperation with Valeo, BMW also presented Teleoperatet Valet Parking, which enables remote-controlled driving of the car. The "driver" sits in an external simulator and carries out the steering and drive movements there, which are then transferred to the real vehicle in real time. This enables remote-controlled parking, for example, an interesting solution for car parks.
New legal framework conditions for driver monitoring systems and GSR and Euro NCAP requirements will make sensor functions mandatory in new vehicles in Europe from summer 2024. Car manufacturers must therefore use safe DMS software solutions in their vehicles. For this reason, Smart Eye and Green Hills Software have entered into a partnership. The companies offer a DMS platform that combines Smart Eye's core DMS software with Green Hills' ASIL-certified Integrity RTOS. The platform detects driver distraction and drowsiness by analysing facial expressions and eye blinks in real time. At CES 2024, Green Hills demonstrated this solution on an AM62A Sitara SoC from Texas Instruments.
Magna also presented a prototype of a breath and camera-based technology. The new safety technology quickly and reliably determines whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or not. A camera not only records pupil signals for distraction and drowsiness, but the system also recognises whether the driver has drunk too much alcohol or taken drugs. In addition, sensors are used on the steering wheel to determine the quantified alcohol and carbon dioxide content in the driver's diluted exhaled breath using built-in measuring points. The data can then be further processed and, depending on the legal situation, restrict or even prevent the driver from continuing to drive.
CES Innovation Award 2024 in the Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility product category
Continental wins the CES Innovation Award for the eighth time in a row with its "Radar Vision" parking solution. By combining high-resolution surround radars with high-resolution cameras, Continental enables parking applications that allow very precise measurements around the vehicle. The early detection of parking spaces, for example, enables the vehicle to be parked without having to drive past the space. The radar units can be mounted "invisibly" behind bumpers. Thanks to additional cameras, they offer a comprehensive 360° view around the vehicle.
Conclusion of the CES Las Vegas 2024
Overall, the CES once again showed which forward-looking trends are having a decisive influence on the development of the modern vehicle industry. Even flying cars could be admired as studies in the exhibition halls. It was a pity that only three German car manufacturers - BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen - were represented at the event. A visible presence of German solutions would certainly be desirable.