Honda to preview future mobility tech at CES 2020

Tech on display to include prototypes of Honda’s Safe Swarm and Smart Intersection safety tech, new in-car connectivity tech and a new self-driving concept.

Published On Jan 03, 2020 07:00:00 AM

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Honda to preview future mobility tech at CES 2020

Honda’s exhibit at Consumer Electronics Show 2020 (CES) - being held from January 7 to 10, 2020 - in Las Vegas will feature global debuts of concepts that integrate connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE) technologies in new mobility products and services. Some of the eye-catching technology concepts and prototypes include the augmented driving concept, the energy management solutions and ‘Safe Swarm’ and ‘Smart Intersection’ prototypes.

Augmented Driving Concept

This augmented driving concept features a seamless transition from autonomous to semi-autonomous driving operation. This system is constantly on standby, ready to intervene and control the vehicle when needed. The driving system changes between automatic and manual mode with a switch and features more than eight modes between fully autonomous and semi-autonomous operation. Various sensors in the vehicle continuously read the user’s intention to smoothly shift between these modes, creating an instinctive driving experience. The reinvented steering wheel offers new types of driving experiences. The vehicle will start by patting the steering wheel twice, pull the steering wheel and the vehicle will slow down, push it and the vehicle will accelerate.

Future Honda Mobility VR Experience

Honda will also preview a mobility ecosystem forecast for 2035 and beyond, with fully autonomous vehicles, shared autonomous mobility and an aerial mobility infrastructure. In the Future Honda Mobility VR demonstration, CES attendees can experience a journey through the urban future with a V2X system safely navigating the drive, encounter an autonomous shared mobility pod and also take flight in a personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle.

Honda Xcelerator Collaborations

Honda Xcelerator will also debut collaborations at CES 2020, with start-ups focused on augmenting human capabilities and devices that enhance workplace ergonomics for the manufacturing environment. The soon-to-be commercialised technologies are based on successful collaborations with Drivemode, a start-up that develops and operates smartphone-based connected services, and SoundHound, the leading innovator in voice-enabled AI and conversational intelligence technologies.

‘Smartphone as Brain’ with Drivemode

Honda and Drivemode jointly developed the ‘Smartphone as Brain’ technology, which provides a safe and convenient way for drivers or motorcycle riders to integrate their smartphones into the driving and riding experience, while minimising distraction. For instance, riders can connect their smartphone and motorcycle by Bluetooth, enabling them to control their smartphone either using switches on the steering handles or voice recognition. Honda acquired Drivemode in October 2019.

Honda Energy Management Concept

Honda is creating convenient renewable energy solutions that will be on display in its Energy Management Concept. The company has been developing the Honda Mobile Power Pack, a portable, swappable, rechargeable battery with output of 1kWh or more. When multiple Honda Mobile Power Packs are used simultaneously, they can power electric motorcycles, small-sized electric mobility products and even facilitate stable supply of electricity in people’s homes. This will additionally feature the US debut of Honda’s EV personal mobility concept named ESMO (Electric Smart Mobility).

‘Safe Swarm’ and ‘Smart Intersection’

Honda will show the progress of its ‘Safe Swarm’ and ‘Smart Intersection’ prototype safety system. Using V2X technology, ‘Safe Swarm’ allows vehicles to communicate with surrounding vehicles and share key information such as location and speed. With this information, along with the sensor suite on the vehicle, the driver or automated vehicle systems can determine the safest course of action to prevent collisions and reduce traffic congestion.

Additionally, Honda will show a red light runner detection scenario of its ‘smart intersection’ technology. Traffic collisions at roadway intersections account for roughly 40 percent of all collisions and 20 percent of the nearly 35,000 traffic-related deaths in the US each year. The ‘smart intersection’ utilises Honda’s proprietary object recognition software in conjunction with intersection-mounted cameras and V2X communications. This enables cars to virtually see through and around buildings and walls in nearly all weather conditions to help identify and alert drivers to otherwise hidden hazards.