I was fortunate recently to attend a technical presentation at Valeo's Mobility Tech Center in San Mateo, Calif. Valeo, based in Paris, is a leading supplier of autonomous driving, powertrain, thermal and visibility systems to the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).
I learned a lot about the amazing array of sensors employed in ADA (advanced driver assistance) and autonomous vehicles, including ultrasonic, camera, radar and, most importantly, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) laser scanners, which provide a detailed 360 degree view around the vehicle. Calculation algorithms, artificial intelligence and geo location/mapping, coupled with deep learning put this all together to create a 3D model of the vehicle's surroundings, including predicted trajectories of other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, in order to make the best vehicle control decisions.
Vehicles on display included their Drive4U autonomous and Drive4u Remote Range Rovers, the latter being capable of fully driverless operation. A video demonstration was also provided of the Voyage XR. Grandma, in Dubuque, wearing a VR headset, can ride along with you, enjoying a spectacular 360 degree view as you drive through the Canyonlands of Utah!
Another pretty cool technology was ExtraView Trailer, which uses cameras on the trailer and tow vehicle to create a see-through/invisible trailer effect, allowing the driver to see everything astern and to the side, as if the trailer wasn't there.
Other technologies include 48 volt powertrain systems, which allow hybrid and small vehicle propulsion at significantly less cost than the more common high voltage powertrains in use. Electric superchargers and other technologies can also be employed to further enhance a vehicle's powertrain efficiency, reducing CO2 and other emissions.
Comfort systems were also demonstrated, with a thermal comfort bubble adapted to each vehicle passenger. Biosensors and cameras are used to assess the thermal profile of each passenger based on heart and breathing rates, clothing, age, gender, and body type in order to fine-tune the vehicle's climate control system zones. Mist dispensers and radiant panels can also be used to quickly fine-tune each passenger's comfort, as well as adaptable ambient colors to enhance comfort perception; warm shades for heat and pale for cool. Wild!
MyMobius is another advanced technology that can be employed to better connect human and machine. The system learns a driver's habits to anticipate his or her needs, customize the onboard environment and enhance safety. Sensors and connectivity modules send information to the cloud for processing, and the results are used to activate vehicle functions without the need for user intervention.
Finally, one of Valeo's main missions is to improve air quality and mitigate exposure to harmful emissions. In addition to implementing low-emission powertrain systems, a network of emissions-sensing vehicles can provide real-time information to urban planners/managers in order to manage vehicle routing. Consumers can also view urban pollution maps on their smart phones, much like traffic maps, to avoid certain areas at certain times. An onboard OxyZen system can purify and ionize cabin air, which can be as much as four times more polluted than outside air.
It's up to the carmakers to decide which of these amazing technologies to include in their vehicles and how well to implement it. And it's up to us as consumers to decide how much is too much to desire and afford!
