Continental will showcase sustainable mobility solutions based on software under the slogan ‘The Beginning of Realizing Future Mobility’ at the ‘IAA Mobility 2023’ held in Munich, Germany, from September 5 to 10 (local time).
Nikolai Setzer, CEO of Continental, stated, “Continental’s technology portfolio is very diverse, ranging from premium tires on the road to software solutions represented by the cloud. Today, 80% of new cars worldwide are equipped with Continental’s hardware and software solutions that embody safety, convenience, and sustainability, and Continental is continuously developing new growth engines for the future of mobility.”
In addition to advanced hardware, software is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. Based on the research of about 21,000 software and IT professionals, Continental provides various solutions for the transition to software-based vehicles, including high-performance computing. The newly introduced ‘Smart Cockpit HPC’ integrates next-generation infotainment, a cluster, and an advanced driver assistance system.
At the IAA Mobility, Continental and its partners will demonstrate how the Smart Cockpit HPC can realize future mobility with minimal costs and a short development time using demonstration vehicles.
In 2021, Continental introduced the ‘Continental Automotive Edge,’ a hardware and software development platform in collaboration with Amazon Web Services. Based on this platform, the newly launched virtual electronic control unit separates decision-making between hardware and software, allowing engineers to quickly and continuously improve microcontroller-based ECUs, zonal controllers, and high-performance computers through virtual simulation. The virtual electronic control unit allows 90% of the software application to be programmed before it is applied to the hardware, enhancing the efficiency of the product launch phase.
Continental is developing an integrated full-stack system to support autonomous driving in strategic partnership with the American semiconductor company Ambarella. This multi-sensor system operates based on energy-efficient AI systems built on Ambarella’s systems-on-chip and is governed by a software stack and AI consisting of control units such as Continental’s high-resolution cameras, radar, and lidar sensors. Recently, Continental received its first order for the complete Level 4 fallback system jointly developed with Ambarella.
Continental places significant value on preventing accidents that can occur due to mistakes while driving, such as during turns, reverse, and parking, thereby ensuring driver safety. At the IAA, Continental will showcase a system solution featuring micro-LED technology capable of close-range projection while maintaining high integration. This system predicts movements of objects near the vehicle and their size, sending signals when the vehicle changes direction.
Continental also proposes a roadmap for the future braking system, enhancing safety and sustainability. A notable example is the semi-dry brake system that operates the rear axle brakes electronically and does not require hydraulic units. With this braking system, there is no need to fill the brake system during vehicle manufacturing, significantly reducing the consumption of brake oil.
Continental reveals the interior space of autonomous driving mobility born from the Space D design concept. Additionally, it exhibits the ‘Benova Eco Protect,’ a vegan product certified by PETA, enhancing sustainability with bio-based raw materials and recycled materials, as well as ‘Axela,’ which offers outstanding customization, and the translucent surface material ‘Exprene Highlight Concept,’ which enables new designs and functionalities.
Continental’s exceptional materials expertise is also reflected in the development of sustainable tires. At this year’s IAA, Continental will introduce a new concept tire focusing on urban driving that improves road driving energy efficiency. The first revealed ‘UltraContact NXT’ tire combines a high level of sustainable materials, utilizing up to 65% recycled and mass balance certified materials with maximum safety. Production started in July, and it will be available in 19 sizes across Europe. All 19 sizes received the highest ratings from the EU tire label in rolling resistance, wet braking, and external noise categories.
Meanwhile, attendees can experience these innovative technologies from Continental at the Continental booth (B10, Exhibition Hall A2) within the fairgrounds.
Isang Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr