KDPOF Presents Reliable and Cost-efficient Multi-gigabit Connectivity System at ELIV VDI Congress
Foresight Successfully Completes First Milestone of POC Project With a Leading European Vehicle Manufacturer
Piaggio Fast Forward Develops New Sensor Technology for Consumer and Enterprise Robots and for Motorcycle and Scooter Safety
Functional Automotive Exteriors With Printed/Flexible Electronics, Discussed by IDTechEx
Foresight Received Notice of U.S. Patent Allowance for All Weather and Lighting Conditions Vision System
GKN Automotive accelerating advanced development of next-generation 800V eDrive technologies
Foresight: Eye-Net Launches Pilot Project With Multinational Japanese Company
5G Automotive Association Discusses the Acceleration of 5G Deployment on European Roads at MCW Barcelona 2021
Onion’s Tau LiDAR Camera, Now Available at Crowd Supply, Operates as a Webcam for 3D Depth Data
Outsight: the 1st LiDAR that Sees Individual Trees While 3D Mapping Forests in Real-Time
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Axiom Materials Introduces New Narrow Tow Prepregs Targeted at Electric, CNG and Hydrogen Powered Vehicles
Kordsa’s US subsidiary, Axiom Materials, is pleased to contribute to sustainable mobility with the introduction of its tow prepregs. Compared to traditional two-dimensional composite counterparts, these carbon fiber composite tow prepregs are specially designed to withstand high temperatures enabling their usage in transportation applications including electric, CNG and hydrogen powered aircraft and vehicles. While lower CO2 emissions and lower ecological impact are the ultimate targets of mobility today, composite materials provide promising solutions to support this goal. Enabling the new federal government infrastructure plan and clean, sustainable energy initiatives, as well as aviation trends toward lower GHG emission power systems, Axiom Materials announced the launch of its latest carbon fiber composite narrow tow prepregs. Narrow tow prepregs are specially designed to improve safety, increase strength, reduce waste, and withstand high temperatures in applications such as critical battery containment, high pressure vessels, and structural components that will support next generation transportation. Regarding this product range expansion Dr. Johnny Lincoln, CEO of Axiom Materials, commented, “Placing sustainability at the core of our activities, we are pleased to expand our capabilities in the composites field with 2 new prepregs. AX-6170 and AX-6201XL are flagship materials for us. They reflect our commitment toward advancing the goals of carbon neutrality, clean emissions, and environmental sustainability in advanced materials. Our new prepreg line offers marked advantages over traditional two-dimensional composite prepregs and hand lay-up methods. These products are designed for either Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machines, or for machine-supported winding techniques used in the preparation of round, cylindrical, and rectangular three-dimensional vessels and structures. We are proud to say that our narrow slit prepregs improve passenger safety, enhance fuel efficiency, reduce waste, all the while enabling lower cost, higher performance, and more environmentally-benign transportation.” AX-6170-C-150GT700-0.25'' RC37 prepreg is a ¼” inch wide cyanate ester tape for critical strength parts with 150 gsm weight, operating in high temperature environments up to 600⁰F (316°C), such as lithium ion battery containers. AX-6201XL-C-150GT700-0.25'' RC37 is a ¼” wide toughened, epoxy carbon prepreg, also 150 gsm weight, designed for the manufacture of larger parts requiring excellent surface quality. Both prepregs may be cured using vacuum bag oven or autoclave processes. The product is also available in a flame-retardant variant. Primary uses are large structural parts and pressure vessels for compressed nitrogen gas (CNG) and hydrogen fuel tanks for vehicles. The resin systems are designed by Axiom Materials. AX-6170 and AX-6201XL will also be manufactured in Turkey at Kordsa’s Composite Technologies Center of Excellence. Kordsa’s Composite Technologies Center of Excellence is an exemplary ecosystem bringing industry and academia together, also contributing to a more sustainable future through its R&D studies and innovations.
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Automotive Interior Differentiation is the New Battleground, Reveals IDTechEx
Automotive OEMs have always added features to differentiate their vehicles, either from other brands or from other models in their product range. Traditionally this was done primarily by changing the engine parameters, for example increasing the displacement, using more cylinders, or adding a turbocharger. However, these options for differentiation are substantially curtailed in EVs. Most consumers can’t distinguish between different motor or inverter designs, so the only distinguishing factors are range, horsepower, and possibly charging rate. As such, manufacturers are increasingly using interior features to distinguish between models and from other brands. This transition is eloquently expressed in the quote from the president of a gauge cluster/cockpit manufacturer: “The cockpit is where the battleground has now shifted. It’s no longer what is under the hood, but what’s inside the cockpit.” There are, therefore, extensive opportunities for printed/flexible electronics to add additional functionality to the cockpit while facilitating efficient manufacturing, as outlined in the recently released IDTechEx report “Printed and Flexible Electronics for Automotive Applications 2021-2031: Technologies and Markets”. Examples include adding more and higher performance displays, innovative control interfaces, and generally improving the aesthetic with organic curves and integrated functionality. - Interior displays multiply The increasing number and size of color displays in automotive interiors is clearly apparent, with the recently launched Honda-E having six just for the front seat passengers. Display placement goes beyond the conventional center screen and digital gauge clusters to include displays for mirrors and passenger entertainment. OLEDs are likely to be increasingly adopted, as the resolution and color gamut meet the expectations consumers transfer from their smartphones. Conformality should also enable a wider range of integration opportunities, such as safety improving ‘transparent’ pillars. - Smart surfaces and IME No discussion of automotive interior trends is complete without mention of smart surfaces, in which capacitive touch sensors and lighting integrated within interior panels replace mechanical switches. The technology driving this transition is in-mold electronics (IME), in which electronic, decorative, and mechanical features are combined in a single component. This is achieved by screen printing conductive traces and mounting simple SMD components onto a film, thermoforming, and then finally injection molding. IME enables multifunctional components such as center consoles and overhead control panels to be much lighter, simpler, and easier to manufacture. An additional benefit is the decoupling of structural and electronic/decorative functionality, thus making ‘versioning’ more straightforward since the same molds for thermo and injection molding can be used to make parts with varying appearance and functionalities. Furthermore, IME enables new use cases, such as adding electronic and touch-sensitive functionality into the backs of the front seats, with some automotive OEM design teams having identified over 40 distinct use cases. Smart surfaces are also likely to evolve to offer more sophisticated interactions than simple capacitive sensors or on/off buttons. For example, printed pressure sensors are likely to find their way into control panels, thus providing a wider range of inputs. Haptic feedback is also likely to become widely integrated since positive actuation is both more satisfying to use and arguably safer if it minimizes the need for the driver to take their eyes off the road. - Printed/flexible interior heaters The existing approach to heating car interiors by blowing hot air around is very inefficient and highly detrimental to the range of electric vehicles. Printed/flexible electronics to incorporate heaters within touchpoints is significantly more efficient - as such this approach is likely to be extended beyond seats and steering wheels to encompass armrests and center consoles. Furthermore, the conformality of printed electronics enables heaters to be placed much closer to the surface, making heating more efficient and responsive. Transparent conductors take this idea a step further and can be applied just under the surface of materials, enabling them to be combined with lighting elements. - Comprehensive overview In summary, there are extensive opportunities for printed and flexible electronics within automotive interiors, with a key driver being an increased focus on this area for differentiation by the manufacturers. IDTechEx’s new report “Printed and Flexible Electronics for Automotive Applications 2021-2031: Technologies and Markets” outlines the current status and opportunities for printed/flexible electronics across 11 application areas, along with 10-year printed electronics automotive market forecasts by revenue and volume, multiple application case studies and assessments of commercial and technological readiness. The report also includes multiple company profiles based on interviews with early-stage and established companies, along with 10-year market forecasts. Further details and downloadable sample pages can be found at www.IDTechEx.com/PEAuto For the full portfolio of Printed and Flexible Electronics research available from IDTechEx please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/PE
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö Launches FiltEV, its New, Comprehensive Platform of High Performance Filtration Materials for Electric Vehicles
Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the growth segment of electrification, launching its first product offering, totally dedicated to filtration media solutions for electric vehicles. The vehicle industry is witnessing rapid electrification, driven by the global need to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions. As the infrastructure for charging expands and offers fast, reliable and convenient charging, double-digit annual growth for electric vehicles is expected. Major automakers are targeting electric vehicles to represent a significant share of their new offering in the coming years, while some even plan to discontinue manufacturing combustion engine driven cars by next decade. It is estimated that only-electric vehicles will represent 25% of light vehicles production in 2030. Ahlstrom-Munksjö has developed several solutions to address unmet customer needs for filtration materials for electric vehicles. It includes solutions for cabin air, transmission and cooling systems. “I am very pleased to introduce our initial range of products from the FiltEV® platform”, says Cedric Vallet, Head of Business Development, Industrial Filtration & New Vehicles. “Utilizing our extensive technological platforms already in place, the offering highlights the innovative benefits of our new portfolio and demonstrates our commitment to this market. Consequently, we plan to further expand our portfolio of solutions in this field, also including fuel cell air intake, over the coming months”, he adds. The addressable annual market opportunity for filtration media used in electric vehicles is expected to grow at around 35% per year up until 2030, reaching approximately EUR 100 million. Electrification is a key strategic theme for Ahlstrom-Munksjö, which has successfully served the automotive industry for 50 years and has gained a leading position in engine filtration worldwide. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles will require more than just the needed technology. It also requires energy storage solutions, where fiber-based materials are widely used. Thanks to its extensive expertise in cellulose, glass microfibers and specialty nonwoven materials, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is also developing a complete range of energy storage solutions under the FortiCell® product platform. Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s FiltEV® offering The FiltEV® offering for cabin air, cooling systems and transmission showcases what Ahlstrom-Munksjö can develop for the filtration of fluids in electric vehicles. The combination of unique production capabilities and enhanced raw materials deliver the most reliable protection of people and systems, along with a guarantee of extended lifetime and energy efficiency. Cabin air filtration – Pure air for passengers Cabin air quality is an increasingly important factor in the design of the new generations of vehicles. By filtering particles, microorganisms and harmful gases, air filters create a healthier cabin environment and improve the driving comfort. Ahlstrom-Munksjö delivers a reliable range of high performance media for cabin air filters in electric vehicles, which operate under the most demanding requirements: Particulate portfolio protecting against coarse, fine and ultrafine particles, including bacteria and viruses. Carbon portfolio combining removal of particles and gases for an increased level of protection and comfort. The benefits include reliable filtration efficiency, optimal gas adsorption and excellent converting performance. Cooling fluids filtration – Reliable shielding of the thermal management system Effectiveness and lifetime of battery pack, fuel cell units and e-motors in electric vehicles highly depends on the ability to keep them in a narrow temperature window whatever the conditions of use. Ahlstrom-Munksjö provides a wide range of high performance filtration media for cooling air and liquids which guarantees a smooth and safe operation of the thermal management unit: High permeability air filtration media preventing wear of the fan and clogging of the system. Proprietary full synthetic three-layer media with a wide range of efficiency covering most cooling oil filtration requirements. The benefits include the highest filtration performance, extreme durability and superior dust holding capacity. Transmission filtration – Enhanced protection of the drivetrain The cleanliness of the oil is an increasingly important factor in the performance, reliability and life time of the modern transmission systems and the new propulsion solutions for electric vehicles. Ahlstrom-Munksjö provides a complete range of high performance media for suction and pressure transmission filters which meet OEM requirements: Premium glass microfiber media with optional protective scrims, an ideal choice for high efficiency filtration solutions. Proprietary full synthetic three-layer media with excellent durability and a wide range of efficiency covering most filtration requirements. The benefits include highest filtration performance, enhanced reliability and extended lifetime as well as state-of-the art laminating capabilities. Additional products, including solutions for fuel cell air intake, will be launched under the FiltEV® platform in the coming months.
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VAYYAR Releases World’s First Single-Chip 4D Imaging Radar Sensor “XRR” Covering All Distances 0-300M
Vayyar Imaging, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, has launched the world’s first multi-range “XRR” chip, a single RFIC with a range of 0-300m, designed for passenger cars, trucks and motorcycles. Supported by a 48-antenna MIMO array, the leading-edge platform provides radar imaging with unprecedented accuracy for numerous safety applications, without the need for external processors. Vayyar’s XRR chip – AEC-Q100 qualified and ASIL-B compliant - is unmatched in terms of range, resolution, and performance. With an ultra-wide field of view and rich 4D point cloud imaging, it delivers unprecedented multifunctionality on a single-chip platform, supporting dozens of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) and autonomy features. This eliminates the need for multiple, costly vehicle sensors and reduces costs, complexity, hardware, software, power consumption, wiring and integration efforts. Affording a range of 0-300m, the multi-range XRR chip differentiates between static obstacles such as dividers, curbs and parked vehicles, and between different types of VRUs, moving vehicles and other hazards. In low-speed environments such as parking lots, the XRR chip’s uSRR and SRR sensing supports advanced parking assistance, scanning the vehicle’s surroundings for pedestrians and obstacles. On the open road, MRR and LRR capabilities facilitate a variety of ADAS and autonomy applications such as Lane Change Assist (LCA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Collision Warnings (fCW/rCW), Cross Traffic Alerting (CTA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). “Vayyar’s XRR chip delivers unparalleled multi-range capability, reducing complexity and costs, so that high-end safety is accessible and affordable for all vehicle models,” said Ian Podkamien, VP and Head of Automotive at Vayyar. “To achieve this, we integrated 48 transceivers into a single chip, along with the computing power necessary for optimal performance, while maintaining cost-efficiency and a compact form factor.” Just two XRR chips earn any vehicle 33 Euro NCAP safety points, while replacing over ten traditional ADAS sensors. Vayyar’s platform supports nine different Euro NCAP ADAS requirements for 2023, protecting pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, while maximizing safety ratings. Compared with alternatives such as cameras, standard radar and LIDAR, Vayyar’s 4D imaging radar delivers unprecedented multifunctionality on a single-chip platform, maximizing affordability, coverage, range, resolution and robustness. The XRR chip provides real-time 4D detection, identifying and tracking numerous objects simultaneously, even in extremely challenging conditions such as heavy traffic, darkness, or fog. As automakers strive to protect motorists and their passengers, Vayyar’s multi-range XRR chip is redefining ADAS, ARAS and autonomy, making the utmost safety available to all vehicles.
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ROHM and Mouser Present New eBook on Power Solutionsfor Next-Generation Electric Vehicles
Mouser Electronics, Inc., the New Product Introduction (NPI) leader empowering innovation, announces a new eBook in collaboration with ROHM Semiconductor, highlighting technologies that lie at the heart of the next generation of automotive solutions. In Driving the Future of Automotive Solutions with ROHM , subject matter experts from Mouser and ROHM offer technical insights into applications surrounding vehicle electrification, including power management, lighting, and motor control. ROHM and Mouser Present New eBook on Power Solutions for Next-Generation Electric Vehicles Electronics have been a key aspect of automotive design for nearly a century, providing reliable power to everything from car radios to anti-lock braking systems. Future automotive systems, including those in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (xEV) market, will rely on electronics more than ever before. Materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are enabling significant advancements in automotive power design, and ROHM’s range of gate drivers, shunt resistors, DC-DC converters, and LED drivers support the cutting edge of automotive solutions. Driving the Future of Automotive Solutions with ROHM offers practical insights into the automotive industry’s evolving technologies, connecting emerging challenges to the solutions needed to address them. The eBook features useful information and links to key ROHM products, such as automotive lighting solutions for the transition to LEDs, GMR50 chip shunt resistors that offer improved power management, and UDZLVFHTE high-voltage automotive Zener diodes for reliable performance in harsh environments. ROHM Semiconductor’s product line available from Mouser includes MOSFETs, power management ICs, IGBTs, LED drivers, and a range of other tools for reliable electrification and connectivity. Additionally, Mouser has collected the company’s automotive-focused product selection and other resources on the ROHM Automotive Solutions page.
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REE Unveils New REEcorners™ and EV Platforms Designed to Support the Broadest Range of Commercial Electric Vehicles
REE Automotive (REE), an innovator in e-mobility, today revealed 5 new and improved REEcorner™ architecture designs and the technology behind its EV platforms designed to support the broadest range of commercial electric vehicles. The REEcorners™ revealed today show the breadth and depth of versatility that can be afforded to customers when it comes to designing vehicles based on their requirements. REE intends to provide a comprehensive range of technical configurations to fulfill specific B2B customer needs, including EV platform size selection based on preferred length, width and vehicle height; front, rear or all-wheel-drive with peak motor power ranges of 35 to 200 kW; front and all-wheel steer; advanced suspension capabilities; payload capacities of up to 5,000 kg and more. REE’s proprietary, award-winning REEcorner™ technology packs critical vehicle components into a single compact module positioned between the chassis and the wheel - including steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control – resulting in a fully flat EV platform. Unlike diesel/fuel vehicles or conventional EVs, REE’s fully flat EV platforms are designed with a lower center of gravity than vehicles with the motor located in between the wheels, and are intended to carry more passengers, cargo and batteries. REE’s smaller footprint and lower center of gravity will also allow for taller cabin designs and lower step-in height, yielding more volumetric efficiency. “A bold new era for mobility demands a bold reimagining of what a vehicle can and should be, and that’s what we’ve done with REEcorner™ and our revolutionary EV platforms” said Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and CEO. “We believe that REEcorner™ technology will enable new EV platforms and designs to be adopted at lower costs and with faster development times than conventional EV skateboards.” A variety of mobility players will be able to use REEcorners™ and EV platforms to custom-design vehicles to meet their exact needs. For example, by adopting REE’s platforms, Mobility-as-a-Service providers can be empowered to build front-wheel drive e-shuttles with maximum payload capacity for transporting passengers with minimal kWh consumption. Conversely, logistics companies will be able to choose low-speed, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer REEcorner™ configurations for last-mile delivery, with low step-in-height and minimum turning radius for easy maneuverability in congested urban streets. REE’s EV platforms are designed to offer best-in-class driver ergonomics, enabling the creation of commercial delivery vans with low center of gravity, 360 all-side accessibility and unrestricted visibility for easy loading/unloading in docking stations. Ahishay Sardes, REE Co-Founder and CTO, explains REE’s differentiation: “Unlike in-wheel motor systems, the motors in REEcorners™ are fully sprung masses, positioned on the chassis side of the suspension. By minimizing unsprung mass, REEcorners™ are designed for optimal ride and handling vehicle dynamics. REE’s plan to utilize true x-by-wire technology to control each of the corners of the vehicles with full drive- by-wire, brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire technology is expected to deliver vehicle stability, responsiveness and safety with fully independent wheel control. REE’s design further includes the REEcenter™ ECU (Electrical Control Unit) system to coordinate all four independent REEcorner™ ECUs, a thermal management system, power converter and power module. We believe that future customers who choose to build their electric vehicle fleets leveraging REE’s technology and EV platforms will benefit from significant operational and functional benefits over conventional EV fleets.” EVs and AVs built on REE’s technology will offer unprecedented space for passengers, cargo, and batteries. REE expects that electric vehicles built on REE’s EV platform will offer up to 35% more interior space than comparable commercial vehicles of similar size, providing much more room for cargo and goods and thereby necessitating fewer delivery routes for reduced carbon impact. Furthermore, REE’s smaller footprint saves valuable space in warehouses and parking areas, while allowing for easy maneuverability in crowded zones. REE’s Co-Founder and CEO, Daniel Barel, will take part in the opening panel of MOVE America: ‘Realizing the Electric Future..NOW’ on March 17 at 9am PT.
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CTR, a Korea-based Company, Are The ‘Unseen Heroes’ Keeping One-third of Americans Safe On The Road
Racking up 13,476 miles a year, the average American drives the equivalent of four round trips from New York to Dallas. That’s the highest yearly mileage than anyone else in the world and it’s on the increase, year on year. More time spent behind the wheel means increased risk and in turn, this leads to a greater need for companies to step up when it comes to vehicle safety. With the aim of creating a safer world through innovation, CTR is taking the lead in protecting the public on the road. As an OE company, CTR contributes to customer safety by supplying quality products tailored to the level of OE technology. Established in Korea in 1952, CTR parts are now used in three-quarters of Korean car brands, and supply parts for 25% of the world’s OEM brands. With over 1,400 employees in 10 countries and such a prominent presence in the automotive industry worldwide, CTR products now reach 33% of all Americans on the road. To mark their success in building an essential company that is central to safe mobility, CTR is launching a bold new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign. It celebrates their hardworking staff and quality car parts, highlighting them as the ‘unseen heroes’ that keep American drivers safe on the road. CTR’s CEO, Rafael Hoyoung Lee, talking of the company’s core values, says that fundamentally CTR staff ‘behave on a basis of respect for all humanity’, and this is the driving force behind the campaign. With the vision of becoming the top three aftermarket brand in the world within the next 10 years, CTR will continue to put safety first.
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The world's longest indoor test track for self-driving vehicles
AstaZero is now building the world's longest indoor track for testing self-driving vehicles. AstaZero is the leading test bed for the automated transport systems of the future. With the new indoor track, AstaZero consolidates its position as a world-unique test environment. The Swedish test bed AstaZero, located in Hällered outside Borås, is the world's first full-scale independent test and demonstration environment for future traffic safety. Every year, more than 1.2 million people worldwide are killed in traffic accidents. Active safety is a way to reduce the number of fatal accidents. The next step is systems for automated driving and AstaZero offers a unique facility with different traffic environments that makes it possible to test advanced safety systems and their functions for different types of traffic and traffic situations. Many of the advanced cameras and sensors required for future road safety systems need to be tested and verified in repeatable lighting conditions such as backlighting and shadows. - How do we provide a controlled outdoor environment in an environment that is largely characterized by rain, snow and darkness during part of the year, asks Peter Janevik, CEO of AstaZero. The answer will stand ready at AstaZero in the beginning of February 2021, with the world's longest and largest indoor track. The track will measure 700 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a central part of 140 meters that will be 60 meters wide. To be able to house trucks, buses and cars, the indoor track has an internal ceiling height of 4.6 meters. With development cycles constantly decreasing over time, the industry's need for accessibility to the test environment must be increased at the same time. "Tomorrow's road safety system requires an enormous amount of testing, which means work around the clock, 365 days a year. With our new indoor track, we will provide daylight and dry road tracks at 03.00 on a November night", says Peter Janevik, CEO of AstaZero. The investment is supported by the Västra Götaland region's program for sustainable transport with SEK 10 million.
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Autonomous bus pilot goes live in Gjesdal, Norway
The rural commune of Gjesdal in southwestern Norway is tackling the first/last mile transportation gap head on with a new autonomous bus service that tests the capabilities of this innovation. The pilot project will run until mid-September and is part of the EU-funded FABULOS project: a unique pre-commercial procurement. – The fleet of two autonomous vehicles (AVs) is rounded out with one electric Tesla and form part of an on-demand, door-to-door transit scheme to help Gjesdal residents get around town for errands and socialising, says Linn Terese Lohne Marken, project lead and CEO of Mobility Forus, a provider of self-driving vehicles and services. Mobility Forus is one of the players in the Saga consortium, a research group founded specifically for the purposes of participating in the FABULOS initiative. It looks at how AVs operate in rural areas faced with steep hills, heavy traffic and pedestrians. For the Gjesdal project, the buses have been integrated in the local public transportation network, so passengers receive information about the service via national and local travel planner apps such as Google maps, Kolumbus and Entur. The route of the AVs connects the popular residential area near Lake Fjermestadvatnet, to Gjesdal’s city center. To complement the solution, Saga also offers a door-to-door transportation service on-demand that can be ordered via the HentMeg-website, a service offered by the local public transport company Kolumbus. The on-demand system is managed by Spare, a Canada-based transit software provider. – We think the future of safe, efficient and scalable transit is autonomous. This pilot project is an important step towards that future. We hope the residents of Gjesdal are as excited to try the AVs, as we are to help power them. We can’t wait to see what impact it will have on transit operations, says Spare co-founder and CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen The AVs, nicknamed, Gudrun and Gerard, are all-electric minibuses produced by the French robotics company Navya. The bus is autonomous according to SAE level number three, meaning it can take over driving functions under certain circumstances. For the pilot, buses have a maximum permitted speed of 18 km per hour. The AVs also have trained operators onboard as per current safety regulations, who can take over when Gudrun and Gerard need a helping hand. – We hope this innovative technology will encourage people to leave the car at home and opt to get around using transit instead, says Frode Fjeldsbø, mayor of Gjesdal Municipality. – If successful, we would be open to making AVs a permanent part of our transport system, he adds. He received feedback from young travellers that the shuttle's exterior is welcoming. The Gjesdal project runs through September 11th and is available M-F, 9am-3pm. Once complete, the AVs will move to Helmond in the Netherlands for a second pilot based on the same service and technology parameters.
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Granite River Labs and KDPOF Collaborate to Deliver ISO-Standardized Automotive Ethernet Over POF
Granite River Labs (GRL), a global leader in engineering services and test solutions for connectivity and charging, and KDPOF, leading supplier for gigabit transceivers over POF (Plastic Optical Fiber), announced that a specification for 1 Gb/s optical connectivity in vehicles has been adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). “GRL is proud to support ISO-standardized Gigabit Ethernet POF (GEPOF) test services and automated test solutions,” said Vamshi Kandalla, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Granite River Labs. “Extending our automotive ethernet testing profile further supports automotive hardware developers, including ECU vendors, to confidently deploy robust, interoperable products and technologies.” “With ISO standardization of GEPOF, we and GRL jointly provide the network technology to enable new and emerging connected car technologies,” added Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-Founder of KDPOF. “Carmakers and Tier1 suppliers benefit from integrated, compatible, and interoperable implementation based on our KD1053 IC and GRL’s competencies to perform conformance tests.” ISO published two new standards for in-vehicle Ethernet series 21111, forming the basis for reliable implementations of systems that realize in-vehicle 1 Gb/s Optical Ethernet as a physical layer. ISO 21111-3:2020 specifies additional features to IEEE 802.3bvTM, such as wake-up and synchronized link sleep algorithms. ISO 21111-5:2020 specifies requirements at the system level and a complete conformance and interoperability test plan for electronic control unit (ECU) providers that implement an optical 1 Gb/s physical layer as specified in ISO 21111-3.
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Porsche Korea Announces Plan for Social Contribution Campaigns in 2020
Porsche Korea (Holger Gerrmann, CEO of Porsche Korea Ltd.) announced its plan to expand the target beneficiary and the range of its support, and promised continuous social contribution for the Korean society in 2020. Porsche Korea signed an MOU with the social welfare foundation ChildFund Korea(Je-Hun Lee, President of ChildFund Korea) for the “Porsche Do Dream” campaign, a social contribution campaign marking its fourth anniversary this year, and delivered a total of 649 million KRW in donation. “As a responsible company, social contribution is always one of the most important business tasks and we are thrilled to be able to expand its campaign,” said Holger Gerrmann, CEO of Porsche Korea, and added, “During the past four years, Porsche Korea has endeavoured to form an environment where Korean children can follow and fulfil their dreams.” In 2017, Porsche Korea launched ‘Porsche Do Dream’ and has continuously carried out social contribution activities that correspond to the brand’s philosophy. Porsche Korea continuously expanded its budget and contributed total of 1.149 billion KRW, which includes two indoor gymnasiums as well as 200 million KRW for 10 selected children in various fields of art, music, and physical education in 2017, 300 million KRW for 2018 business maintenance and expansion, and 649 million KRW for the new social contribution program in 2019. In particular, starting this year, Porsche Korea plans to expand new CSR programs interlinked with the sustainability values that the brand seeks such as carbon neutrality and a virtuous cycle of resources. This year, Porsche Korea will newly introduce the ‘Porsche Dream Circle’ campaign to reduce energy costs in low-income areas by installing solar panels and creating forest environments. “Above this, there are on-going discussions regarding CSR programs that can provide a more diverse and immediate help to the Korean society,” said Holger Gerrmann, CEO of Porsche Korea. “With continuous and sincere social responsibility activities, we promise to contribute to the promotion of welfare for the socially vulnerable while actively participating in efforts to co-prosper with the Korean society.” Meanwhile, Porsche Korea was recognized in 2019 for leading the promotion of Korean children’s welfare and contributing to continuous and sincere CSR activities for the cultivation of future leaders, and received a Seoul Metropolitan City Mayor Commendation for the first time among imported automotive brands in Korea.
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CE China 2019: Autonomous driving and new mobility
Guangzhou/Berlin, 10. September 2019 - CE China, a global IFA event, held 19 to 21 September 2019 in Guangzhou covers autonomous driving, concept cars, electric vehicles and intelligent driving for the first time in its 2019 edition. Today, intelligent interconnection is not only a major trend in household appliances and electronic consumer goods, but also key to the automotive industry – bringing consumer electronics, household appliances and mobility closer together. This new section at CE China caters to this larger trend in the industry - following the successful SHIFT Automotive concept at IFA Berlin. Among the New Energy Vehicles and Connected Driving section at CE China are the following brands: AutoX: According to AutoX, its xUrban system is the first AI system in the world that could handle China’s metropolitan downtown driving scenarios. The autonomous driving system is integrated in the New Energy Vehicle Qin-Pro of BYD and will be presented at CE China. BAIC Motor: BAIC Motor is one of the leading passenger car manufacturers and service providers in China. It is going to bring its AI SUV Series “Zhi” – which means “Intelligence” in Chinese - Zhixing, Zhidao U7 and Zhida X3 to the show. The AI SYSTEM contains: AI Car Condition Assistant, AI Voice Assistant and AI Security Guard. DeepBlue Technology: DeepBlue has been deeply rooted in intelligent driving & vehicle manufacturing, intelligent robots, AI CITY, biological intelligence and more. It is going to bring the panda shaped autonomous driving AI bus to CE China. Equipped with advanced AI technology such as in-Vehicle Robot Voice Interaction, Passenger Abnormal Behavior Monitoring, Intelligent Emergency Escape System, the new energy bus guarantees safety and comfort at the same time. GAC New Energy Automobile: Founded in 2017, GAC New Energy Automobile is dedicated to the innovation and development of electric vehicles. Visitors will be able to have a try on its first car under the Aion brand, Aion S, which just went on sale in April 2019. Pony.ai: Founded in December 2016, Pony.ai is committed to provide advanced, safe and reliable full-stack auto-driving technology. Pony.ai claims to have become the first Chinese startup to qualify for the California road test and to have gained the approval to offer self-driving rides to the public. WeRide: WeRide is a smart mobility company in China that creates leading L4 autonomous driving technologies. Until now, WeRide has been qualified for road test in Guangzhou and California.
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HUBER+SUHNER continues to drive in-vehicle connectivity forward with showcase of advanced automotive portfolio at IAA
At this year’s IAA exhibition, HUBER+SUHNER will exhibit its solutions addressing the challenges faced by the automotive industry in the rise of the electrical mobility era. Presenting its leading automotive products, HUBER+SUHNER will use the event as a platform to promote its extensive expertise in the automotive industry, with a vast range of systems that offer efficiency, ensure reliable connectivity and enable autonomous driving. Offering the highest quality products for demanding and harsh environments, the automotive portfolio by HUBER+SUHNER incorporates leading technology products that look to solve the key obstacles that electric vehicle manufactures must overcome. “The automotive portfolio covers a wide range of applications for the industry, including solutions for harness, high-voltage power distribution and autonomous driving,” said Stefan Schmidt, Automotive Market Segment Manager Region DACH at HUBER+SUHNER. “Our extensive expertise in the industry and our dedication to tackling the challenges our customers face is what really sets us apart from our competitors. With our innovative systems, electric vehicle manufacturers have the solutions at hand that enable them to design high-quality, reliable vehicles.” Ensuring efficiency in e-mobility solutions is critical. On display at IAA will be the RADOX® EV-C™ automotive connectivity system and the RADOX® high voltage distribution unit (HVDU). The RADOX® EV-C™ is a wire-to-device system, connecting high-voltage devices within vehicles in a compact and flexible way while offering 360-degree EMC shielding and protection for even the harshest environments. The RADOX® HVDU is a customisable high voltage distribution solution that, when paired with the RADOX® EV-C™, offers customers a safer and more efficient connection. HUBER+SUHNER will also be demonstrating its innovative solutions for the future of autonomous driving at the Swiss Automotive Suppliers’ joint booth which will be opened by the Consul General of Switzerland, Urs Hammer. A live demonstration of the WiRa (Wired Radio), which enables a seamless autonomous driving experience will be on display at the booth. Due to its non-interrupted EMI shield of the module, the WiRa solution provided by HUBER+SUHNER offers a reliable performance. By using the WiRa technology the weight of the coaxial cable can be reduced by 65% – ensuring ease of access in environmental conditions where space and weight are restricted. Further products from the HUBER+SUHNER Radio Frequency division will be on display, including the HUBER+SUHNER MBX/MFBX/MMBX connectors. This range has been especially developed for board-to-board and board-to-module RF interconnections. The advanced mechanical design allows the connectors to cope with mechanical misalignment in radial and axial directions and to provide excellent electrical performance at the same time. The RADOX® High Voltage Battery Cable and RADOX® High Power Charging System will also be on display at the event, along with a selection of radar antennas. “This is a time of rapid development as the e-mobility industry continues to expand. HUBER+SUHNER is continually innovating solutions to satisfy the needs of its customers around the world. We do not just provide one or two components, we provide a broad range of solutions and that is where we really benefit our customers,” said Schmidt. “We look forward to showcasing our automotive solutions at IAA, where visitors will have a chance to see our efficient, high-quality and reliable solutions first-hand.”
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Jay Ward, automotive consultant and Creative Director of Pixar Animation’s “CARS” franchise, to speak at Shift Automotive
Berlin – 19 August 2019 – The Creative Director of Pixar Animation’s “CARS” franchise, Jay Ward, a self-described “complete car nerd” and consultant to firms like Audi, BMW, Mini and Renault, will be a key speaker at this year’s Shift Automotive in Berlin. Speaking on September 11, 2019, Ward will explore how the trend towards autonomous driving will bring a new storytelling to the car – both in terms of the driver experience and passenger entertainment. As Creative Director for the world of CARS, Jay Ward consults on all CARS-related projects around the world, providing automotive and franchise expertise to both Disney and its partners in matters pertaining to consumer products, interactive, marketing, publishing, and theme parks. He also serves as a liaison with automotive manufacturers and museums working on Pixar-related projects. Jay was the automotive and later franchise creative consultant on all three ‘CARS’ films, the CARS Toons, and CARS Land at Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. In addition to his work on CARS projects, Jay worked in the art departments of Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, and Brave, and served as the associate producer of the 2008 Pixar short film “Presto.” Ward also runs the campus classic car show, the “Pixar Motorama” hosting vehicles from Jay Leno, Chip Foose, and many others. Shift Automotive – held on September 10 &11, 2019 at IFA Berlin – brings together start-ups and tech giants, car manufacturers and city planners to explore how the latest technologies are shaping the way we live, work and drive. Shift Automotive – a joint venture of IFA Berlin and the Geneva International Motor Show – believes that the Future of Mobility will be determined not by concept cars but human factors. That’s why the convention will explore questions such as: Can we design smart mobility-as-a-service solutions that work not just for industry, but individuals and society’? Will sustainable technologies overcome the chicken-and-egg problem of demand and infrastructure? And in a world of autonomous vehicles, what happens to the joy of driving?
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Multi-Gigabit Communications Demand New Automotive Standard
Madrid, Spain, July 25, 2019 – As part of a team of automotive companies, Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF – leading supplier for gigabit transceivers over POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) – is driving a new standard for multi-gigabit in automotive. It will enhance the existing 10GBASE-SR, which is the current standard by IEEE, to establish a communications channel in optical fiber at 10 Gb/s. "Infotainment, ADAS and growing levels of autonomy are the key trends for the exponential growth of data rates: 100 Mbps to 1 Gb/s, 2.5 Gb/s, 5 Gb/s and 10 Gb/s, with some OEMs even targeting 25 and 50 Gb/s for the upcoming years," explained Carlos Pardo. "An existing standard such as 10GBASE-SR would ideally work for automotive applications. Unfortunately, it does not meet stringent automotive requirements." The team of individuals affiliated with more than 15 key carmakers, such as PSA, Toyota, and Volvo; Tier1s; and components suppliers, including KDPOF, is specifying the needs and technologies to support a new multi-gigabit standard. The group led a Call for Interest (CFI) with the approval of the IEEE to start the standardization of an IEEE 802.3 Automotive Optical Multi-Gigabit Standard with strong support from the industry. The working group headed by Carlos Pardo (KDPOF) will kick off in the summer of 2019, with the first prototypes to be projected by the end of 2021. The study group will evaluate the creation of an IEEE Ethernet standard for the automotive industry, with speeds starting at 2.5 Gb/s and up to 50 Gb/s. Targeting IEEE 802.3 Automotive Optical Multi-Gigabit Standard The current IEEE standard 10GBASE-SR was originally created to meet the demands of data centers where temperature, operational life, price, reliability and mechanical robustness are very controlled and modest. With the harsh automotive environment, in addition to power consumption and especially cost being key in automotive applications, only a new communications scheme can provide enhanced robustness and adapt itself automatically to varying environmental conditions and manufacturing processes. Moreover, the technology should be scalable in order to enable even higher data rates such as 25, 50, and 100 Gbps in the future. By combining optimization in all areas of the new standard, the right balance of complexity and cost among all parts (CMOS IC, VCSEL, PD, ferrules, sleeves, cable, in-line connection technology, optics, and lenses, etc.) can be achieved in order to deliver the lowest cost, most reliable, and highly scalable solution to the automotive market.
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Hamburg is taking the pole position in trailblazing shared mobility
This week the new ride pooling service of MOIA, the newest company of the Volkswagen Group, is being launched in Hamburg. Up to 500 electric vehicles will be available across Germany’s second largest city. With the start of this trail-blazing mobility service Hamburg is assuming the leading position in eco-friendly ride pooling on the European continent. Hamburg is thus continuing its tradition as a driving force for innovative mobility solutions. After all, the world’s very first transport association was founded in Hamburg in 1965. As host to the 2021 ITS World Congress, the Hanseatic city is once again on its way to becoming a model city for intelligent transport systems. With various other shared mobility services available – such as CleverShuttle, ioki and mytaximatch – Hamburg is one of Europe’s most innovative cities when it comes to ride sharing or ride pooling. What these services have in common is the fact that journeys are booked via an app and can be combined with each other. Shared mobility helps maximise the use of vehicles to their full capacity, while alleviating traffic and protecting the environment. Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Minister for the Economy, Transport and Innovation, says: "Innovations are essential to making mobility in Hamburg more environmentally friendly, quieter and safer. Ride sharing services are bridging the gap between taxis and local public transport – the number of journeys as individual passengers is being decreased, and urban traffic is reduced overall. In 2021 we will be hosting the ITS World Congress. We would like to seize this opportunity to further advance digitisation and efficiency on our roads." The MOIA mobility startup is part of the Volkswagen Group, which has developed a new electric vehicle specifically for this purpose. While MOIA is starting with 100 vehicles initially, the fleet is scheduled to grow to 500 vehicles by the end of the year. The new mobility service is based on the concept of shared journeys and is shaped by innovative technology. Users can book a shuttle bus via an app, specifying the start and destination of their intended journey. An algorithm then bundles the trip with similar routes of other users and calculates individual prices depending on the length of the route. Henrik Falk, CEO of municipal public transport provider Hamburger Hochbahn AG, explains: "We expressly welcome the launch of MOIA in Hamburg. Together we offer people attractive alternatives to private cars. The aim is to closely align the new ride sharing service with Hamburg’s existing mobility services. We are striving for a distribution partnership with MOIA, which will also include the integration of MOIA into the switchh platform." Pioneering ride sharing providers such as MOIA and CleverShuttle are useful additions to the local public transport network. In Hamburg, MOIA cooperates with Hamburger Hochbahn, and CleverShuttle is majority owned by Deutsche Bahn. With its zero-emission fleet, which has been installed in Hamburg since 2017, CleverShuttle is regarded as Europe’s pioneer in the area of sustainable shared mobility. Currently, the company operates 50 hydrogen and electric vehicles in Hamburg. The electric shuttle buses from ioki are integrated into the tariff system of Hamburg’s regional public transport system and are currently employed in two districts that are not connected to the local rail network, providing them with access to the public transport network. Hamburg also offers opportunities to share a taxi ride. Launched about two years ago, the app of Hamburg-based market leader mytaxi enables customers to share their trips with other people using the mytaximatch feature. A new pricing model, developed by Hamburg’s taxi companies in liaison with the City of Hamburg, provides passengers with maximum transparency: prior to booking a trip, the app calculates a fixed price, i.e. the taximeter will be switched off. The company was launched in 2009 as a startup featuring Europe's very first taxi app. With these and other innovative mobility solutions, Hamburg is demonstrating how traffic in metropolitan areas is on its way to becoming more efficient, more eco-friendly and safer. By hosting the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) World Congress in 2021, the city will serve as a showcase for the world’s most innovative mobility solutions. The focus here will be on innovations for modern city logistics and the use of digital technologies aimed at integrating vehicles and infrastructure, intelligent traffic control, available services, and automated driving. Volkswagen, for instance, is currently making first efforts to test automated vehicles on a test track on the streets of Hamburg. Further information: www.hamburg.com/business/its/
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Volkswagen tests highly-automated driving on new inner-city test route in Hamburg
Volkswagen Group Research is testing automated vehicles in urban traffic in Hamburg. This is the first time Volkswagen has begun to test automated driving to Level 4 at real driving conditions in a major German city. From now, a fleet of five e-Golf, equipped with laser scanners, cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radars, will drive on a three-kilometer section of the digital test bed for automated and connected driving in the Hanseatic city. The results of the test drives, which will be continuously evaluated taking full account of all data protection rules, will be incorporated in the Group’s numerous research projects on automated driving, and will test customer-centric services and optimize individual transport. Actually, a nine kilometer long test track for automated and connected driving (TAVF) is being created in the city of Hamburg and will be upgraded to infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication by 2020. It is characterised by realistic and thus demanding traffic situations. The test track is an open platform for vehicle manufacturers, technology companies, and research institutions to trial innovative mobility services in real traffic conditions on public roads. With the test track, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is creating a user-independent and technology-neutral application laboratory on which vehicle manufacturers, technology companies and research institutions can test innovative mobility services free of charge in real traffic on public roads. Interested companies and research institutions can apply at any time. The TAVF coordination center together with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg takes various criteria like the impact of innovation, benefits for traffic flow and traffic safety or environmental effects on air quality into account. With 1.8 million inhabitants, Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city. The City of Hamburg is promoting state-of-the-art technologies with the aim of becoming a showroom for innovative mobility. Digital technology plays a key role in making urban mobility and logistics in Hamburg safer, more efficient, and more eco-friendly. Therefore, Hamburg’s strategy on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is targeted at traffic safety, traffic flows, environmental effects, and the promotion of innovations. These topics are pursued in six focal areas: data & information; intelligent traffic control & routing; intelligent infrastructure (maintenance & operation); intelligent parking; mobility as a service; and automated & connected driving. Running under the tagline “Experience Future Mobility Now?, the ITS World Congress will take place in Hamburg from 11 to 15 October 2021.
