We spent most of last week walking the mindbogglingly expansive CES in Las Vegas. Even with our tight focus on vehicle- and driving-related technology, the event was huge. We retain some key points from our visit:
• There were some concept and prototype cars, but not very many of them; fewer than last year, as it seemed. Still, we were quite amazed at the progress made by Byton, Rivian, and Fisker out of the work-in-progress realm—this year they showed vehicles looking very nearly ready for production. High-quality prototype/concept cars were shown by Nissan and Mercedes.
• In contrast to that, there was an enormous amount of vehicle and driving technology on display. We got the sense that showing these kinds of technology was easier this year: last year, companies had to put a lot of effort into explaining what the various parts of the transport ecosystem might look like and how they might fit and work together. With those lessons having percolated in the public mind, this year providers could more readily show their innovations without having to explain every basic aspect of what they are and how they fit in the world.
• Integration and interaction are basic bedrock in the transport revolution. In the way vehicles use infrastructure, in the way humans use vehicles, in the way vehicles use data, and in the way technology is configured and deployed, integration and interaction will be found all up and down the scale.
• Not a whole lot of lighting innovation on display this year, but there was some. SLD Laser working on laser-based lighting, have made some big strides in the last year. Stanley are aggressively pushing into the UV-C LED.
•The push to integrate ADAS/AD sensors into car lights continues, as does the pushback from those worried about cost and feasibility of car repairs. Last year’s notable lighting innovation powerhouses were dramatically scaled back or not present this year, though interesting new technology was shown by Osram.
• What used to be considered “high resolution” for variable-message/variable-image pixellated display screens on the outside of vehicles, is now considered low resolution. The improvement in just a single year’s time is remarkable.
In this week’s newsletter you’ll find a good assortment of spot focuses on innovations and agreements announced at CES. Watch for thorough coverage in the forthcoming DVN Report on the show.
We’re putting finishing touches on the DVN Workshop to be held the 28th–29tW of this month in Munich, at the marvellous and convenient Hilton Munich Airport hotel. On Driving Vision News website you’ll find the program. Last registrations for the DVN Munich workshop can still take place online following this link but the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel has no more rooms available for Monday 28th night.
At your service,