CES 2017: Continental Showcases the Building Blocks for Future Digital Mobility

From advanced driver assistance systems and security solutions to concepts for cleaner drives and holistic connectivity, the list of pioneering products from Continental is expanding as the automotive industry continues its rapid shift towards software and mobility services. To demonstrate its interpretation of the digitalization of the automotive world, the international technology company will be showcasing a collection of products and services at CES 2017 on January 5 – 8 in Las Vegas.

“The entire automotive industry is undergoing a revolution and we at Continental are playing an active role in shaping it. On the basis of our solid expertise in systems integration and our years of experience in the field of vehicle connectivity, we are constantly adapting our products in line with the latest market trends,” said Helmut Matschi, member of the Executive Board at Continental and head of the Interior Division. “For example, we are developing the building blocks of new mobility solutions for our customers and helping to shape the mobility of tomorrow together. At the CES, we will be showcasing the very latest solutions that will take us into the future.”

Continental introduces in-vehicle biometrics

Innovative access systems can do so much more than simply unlock car doors or start the engine. Through the combination of the keyless entry and start system PASE (Passive Start and Entry) and biometric elements, Continental offers enhanced security and real personalization. For example, to start the engine it might not be enough to simply have the right key inside the vehicle, depending on how the automotive manufacturer’s system is configured.

Only once the driver has confirmed their identity via a fingerprint sensor will they be able to start the engine. This two-factor authentication system offers significantly enhanced protection against theft. In addition, an interior camera enables enhanced vehicle personalization. A face recognition feature automatically personalizes a range of vehicle settings such as the seat and mirror position, music, temperature and navigation. Biometrics can be integrated in any intelligent system, regardless of which access technology is used in the vehicle (Bluetooth® Low Energy or Low Frequency).

Cloud terminal makes the entertainment system intelligent and flexible

The new Continental cloud terminal offers maximum flexibility in the cockpit. Applications that used to be integrated directly into the head unit have moved over to the cloud where they are processed before being displayed on a powerful browser. This ensures that the system is always up-to-date and that new functions can be added at any time.

In addition, the terminal uses HTML5 technology to develop and display the cloud applications, which not only enables platform-independent development of applications, but also allows data to be shown on different displays with different resolutions. As a result, vehicle manufacturers can roll out the applications across different models and vehicle classes.

The cloud terminal also acts as the driver’s digital assistant, analyzing the driver’s habits at different times of the day and week and, as an example, automatically playing the driver’s favorite radio station on the way to work in the morning. Other applications can be similarly optimized. Another convenient option is if the driver goes to the gym every Wednesday afternoon, the route to the gym is displayed automatically when the system is started.

Even the standard radio can be optimized in important ways through the addition of extra cloud services and artificial intelligence systems. Continental’s service unites multiple offerings in one crowdsourcing concept designed to make the radio an intelligent system. This means that drivers can view the schedule of any station at any given time and choose exactly the station they’re in the mood for. Also, stations can automatically switch to the driver´s favorite artist. The package is rounded off by the system’s ability to provide other recommendations of specialized radio stations based on the driver’s listening habits.

Swarm intelligence on two wheels: eHorizon for motorcycles

Motorcyclists can already start looking forward to future seasons because, thanks to the electronic horizon (eHorizon), Continental developers are enabling not only car drivers but also motorcyclists to see around corners. The eHorizon system for two-wheelers interconnects riders, offers a shared platform to motorcyclist communities and allows motorcyclists to share important route information. With this system, Continental is using the concept of swarm intelligence, which continuously supplies the digital map in the backend with accurate and up-to-date information. The stored data is collated in the cloud and made available to all motorcyclists. This ensures that riders are informed in advance of obstacles along their route such as accidents, construction zones, slippery conditions, or traffic jams, which enhances safety not only for them but also for all other road users.

Intelligent Glass refined and enhanced

Continental’s Intelligent Glass, which enables the selective and incremental shading of nearly all car windows at the touch of a button, just got smarter. Continental has added a range of new functions designed to further enhance passenger comfort. Thanks to the integration of Intelligent Glass Control in the vehicle’s electronic communication system, the glass dynamically adjusts itself to different traffic situations. For example, because the system is connected to light sensors, the glass can be tinted at exactly the point where the sun is shining.

The keyless entry and start system PASE is also linked to Intelligent Glass Control, which means that the window tinting can be adjusted as the driver carrying the key approaches the car. Continental’s solution is not limited to specific types of film and is compatible with different technologies such as SPD (Suspended Particle Device), EC (Electro-Chromatic) or PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

High-quality 3D display surface offers new design possibilities in the cockpit

The growing demand for functions and digital content in the cockpit means that in-vehicle display surfaces are getting bigger all the time. Fully digital instrument clusters may be ideal for flexibly displaying digital content, but they offer less design flexibility. To enable future drivers to enjoy digital content without having to stare at an old-fashioned flat media display, Continental has developed a 3D display surface featuring optically bonded, topographical elements that restores a sense of quality and design individuality to the classic display.

From aeronautics to the road: high-resolution 3D Flash LIDAR

The high-resolution 3D Flash LIDAR (HFL) vehicle surroundings sensor enables real-time 3D vehicle surroundings monitoring and does not contain any mechanical components. The technology, which has already been tried-and-tested in the field of aeronautics, provides a significantly more comprehensive and detailed view of the entire vehicle surroundings – both during the day and at night – and works reliably even in adverse weather conditions. The HFL expands Continental’s portfolio of vehicle surroundings sensors for advanced driver assistance systems to support highly and fully automated driving in combination with other sensors. Continental was also the recipient of the CES 2017 Innovation Award in the category “Vehicle Intelligence” for its vehicle surroundings radar featuring “Trailer Merge Assist” and “Trailer Length Detection.”

Assisted & Automated Driving Control Unit enhances interconnectivity

As a central computer comprising a network of multiple heterogeneous processing units, the Assisted & Automated Driving Control Unit (ADCU) can play a major role in the interconnectivity of electronic chassis and safety systems, increasing the functional scope by interconnecting systems that used to operate in isolation. Since intervention decisions are centrally coordinated, simultaneous interventions in different systems harmonize perfectly with each other.

For Continental, the ADCU is a central element for implementing the required functional safety architecture and, at the same time, a host for the central environment descriptions and driving functions needed for automated driving.

Zonar: intelligent fleet management on the tablet

Continental’s latest acquisition Zonar will be showcasing its portfolio of intelligent fleet management technology for goods and passenger transportation. The new ZonarConnect™ system is a permanently networked, next-generation tablet that gives operators of commercial vehicle fleets greater control over their business processes. The tablet is certified according to the Automatic On-Board Recording Device Regulation (AOBRD) and is ready for certification by the future US standard for electronic logging devices (ELD). ZonarConnect also features the patented EVIR application, the only program in existence for verified electronic vehicle inspections.

Continental at CES

Visit Continental at CES 2017, Thursday, January 5 through Sunday, January 8, at North Hall Booth #3128. Continental will also showcase its latest automotive innovations and technologies in a private exhibit at the Renaissance Hotel. An invitation only media event has been scheduled on January 5. Please contact Mary Arraffor details.

Check out Continental CES 2017 highlights on Twitter: #ContinentalCES

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 218,000 people in 55 countries.