ADAS/Connected Car - December 2019

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Today's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connected cars are paving the way for tomorrow's automated vehicles. To help you keep pace with the latest technology developments, we present this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Automotive Engineering, Autonomous Vehicle Engineering, and Truck & Off-Highway Engineering.


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Overview

The December 2019 Special Report on ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and Connected Cars delves into the transformative landscape of the automotive industry, focusing on the integration of connectivity, automation, and data security.

A central theme of the report is the anticipated impact of 5G technology on the automotive sector. The rollout of 5G is expected to significantly enhance vehicle connectivity by providing higher bandwidths and lower latencies. This advancement will enable automakers to collect and utilize vast amounts of data, facilitating vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, which is crucial for safety and efficiency in automated driving. Industry leaders, such as Patrick Koller from Faurecia, emphasize the potential for monetizing data collected from vehicles, suggesting that automakers could shift from traditional profit margins to new revenue streams through services and data sales.

The report also highlights the importance of user experience in the context of connected vehicles. Companies like Harman are focusing on developing human-machine interfaces that prioritize user needs, aiming to create a seamless interaction between passengers and their vehicles. This focus on empathy in design is seen as essential for enhancing the overall experience of occupants in autonomous vehicles.

Data protection and cybersecurity are critical concerns as vehicles become more connected and function as personal mobile devices. The report discusses the need for robust security measures to protect against digital attacks, ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and its occupants. The importance of maintaining data integrity and privacy is underscored, as the automotive industry navigates the complexities of connected technologies.

Another significant topic covered is the concept of over-the-air (OTA) updates, which allow manufacturers to remotely update software and firmware in vehicles. This capability not only facilitates maintenance but also enables the addition of new features, enhancing the vehicle's functionality over time. The report notes that firmware updates can be a reliable method for ensuring the security of connected cars, addressing vulnerabilities swiftly and efficiently.

The report also touches on the evolving definitions of autonomy in vehicles, with discussions around features like Tesla's Smart Summon raising legal and regulatory questions. As the industry grapples with what it means to be truly autonomous, the report emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue among legal, design, and technology professionals to navigate these challenges.

In summary, the Special Report on ADAS and Connected Cars presents a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of the automotive industry. It highlights the transformative role of 5G technology, the importance of user experience, the critical need for cybersecurity, and the innovative capabilities of OTA updates. As the industry moves towards greater connectivity and automation, these elements will be pivotal in shaping the future of mobility and the relationship between vehicles and their occupants.