CES 2017 | Car Tech Throwback

With CES 2018 being hosted in Las Vegas, NV next week from January 9-12, I wanted to make a throwback post to some of the most notable car technologies showcased at the 2017 event. There were many prominent automakers that made appearances at last years event including BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and more. Common themes from the 300+ car technology exhibits at the events featured improved ADAS, UX & UI, self-driving systems, and electric vehicles. Below are some highlights from some of the most impressive exhibitions.


BMW

The main highlights from BMW were the unveiling of the hands-off user interface named the "HoloActive Touch System" and  exhibiting the BMW Personal CoPilot. The concept behind this was that the system would be controlled not by pressing buttons or touching a screen, but simply through hand gestures. BMW Personal CoPilot is an ADAS system capable of advanced cruise control and lane keeping assistantance. Below is a short video highlighting the integration of the BMW CoPilot system integrated with their HoloActive Touch System, and other interesting features. 

Ford

Ford announced their next-generation Fusion hybrid autonomous vehicle as well as the integration of Amazon's Alexa for an improved user interface system. Their autonomous system is to be used as part of Ford's test fleet featuring Velodyne LIDAR technology. The integration of Alexa into Ford vehicles would allow for remote starting of the vehicle, turning lights of your home on or off from the car, and many other features that would improve the connected capabilities of consumer vehicles. 

Mercedes-Benz

Highlights from the Mercedes-Benz reveal included an all-electric SUV called Generation EQ, expecting to have up to 310 miles of range, a very stylish and modern interior with a large 24'' display. It was actually originally shown at the Paris Motor Show, but the one shown at CES 2017 was claimed to be closer to the production version of the vehicle. Additionally, Mercedes showcased project "Fit & Healthy" where the car is in tune with the user's schedule and able to tell them about their vitals and overall health. These are similar features to a smart watch, however the car would also be able to set the ambiance of the vehicle and modify the posture of the seats for added comfort if the user seemed stressed. 

NVIDIA

NVIDIA Xavier

Unlike the others featured in this list, NVIDIA is not a traditional automaker. However, with the rise of technological integration in vehicles NVIDIA has found a great application within AI for Self-Driving cars. With advancements in Deep Learning, developments in Computer Vision for vehicles have been made possible. The NVIDIA BB8 can be seen below navigating streets autonomously, using an AI Supercomputer dubbed "Xavier" which runs an OS, "DriveWorks". Additionally, there was an announcement for an AI Co-pilot in the works capable of facial recognition, head tracking, gaze tracking, and lip reading. If that wasn't enough partnerships with ZF and Audi had also announced. 

There were several other notable exhibitions at CES 2017 including those from start ups such as Faraday Future and traditional automakers such as FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, and more. Within the last year several of the companies that presented at the 2017 event have continued to make headlines with even more recent developments for their vehicles. I have no doubt that CES 2018 will also bring many fascinating developments!