Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM) made a striking debut at CES® 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the unveiling of an advanced prototype for the highly anticipated AFEELA electric vehicle. Prior to the public opening, Izumi Kawanishi, SHM’s Representative Director, President, and COO, took center stage at a press conference to reveal the significant progress made since the initial concept was introduced at CES 2023.
Key Highlights of the Presentation:
AI for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): SHM is leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and various sensing devices to achieve Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. Their approach relies on Vision Transformer* for accurate perception and machine learning algorithms for optimal path planning. Redundant safety systems powered by Qualcomm’s high-performance SoCs ensure reliable operation.
Transforming the In-Car Experience with Sensing Data: Building upon their collaboration with Epic Games, SHM showcased a virtual reality simulator that immerses users in simulated driving environments. This technology, combined with Augmented Reality (AR), creates a visually stunning and engaging experience that prioritizes safety. Additionally, SHM is utilizing Unreal Engine 5.3 to develop a 3D map overlayed with extensive internet metadata, paving the way for innovative gaming and entertainment features within the vehicle.
AFEELA Co-Creation Program: Fostering Open Innovation: SHM is spearheading the AFEELA Co-Creation Program, an open platform designed to nurture AFEELA as an intelligent mobility solution beyond traditional car concepts. This program invites creators and developers to co-design applications and services, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation around AFEELA.
Conversational Personal Agent: Partnering with Microsoft, SHM is developing a conversational personal agent powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, enhancing the in-vehicle interaction experience.
Collaboration with Polyphony Digital: To bridge the gap between the virtual and real, SHM is integrating Polyphony Digital’s simulation technology into the AFEELA development process.
Evolving Towards Mass Production:
While the AFEELA Prototype’s sleek and minimalist design remains unchanged from its 2023 reveal, significant advancements have been made to prepare it for mass production. Online pre-orders are expected to begin in mid-2025, with deliveries commencing in North America during Spring 2026.
Unveiling the Future of Mobility:
SHM’s CES® 2024 presentation offered a glimpse into the future of mobility, where vehicles transcend their primary function of transportation and become intelligent, immersive spaces for entertainment and connection. Through innovative partnerships, open platforms, and cutting-edge technologies, SHM is redefining the relationship between people and mobility, paving the way for a more exciting and connected driving experience.
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