Innovative Technologies of the 2024 Tier 1 Future Technology Show

Far and away the event’s most fun technology leverages (at last) the immense onboard computing power of today’s advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) to amuse passengers. Valeo Racer is an infinite-runner-style augmented reality game that can be played on phones or tablets connected to the vehicle via WiFi and to game controllers via Bluetooth.

The game uses live forward camera images of the outside world while players pilot small go-karts that fit within the lane. The objective is to collect as many gold coins as possible while avoiding other vehicles (already identified as target objects by the ADAS computer) and various obstacles like cones and tires. Colliding with any object reduces your score. Players have two controller buttons: one allows the kart to jump (to overcome obstacles or catch elevated coins) and the other provides a speed and scoring boost. The supply of boosts is limited and can be replenished by collecting lightning bolts scattered among the coins, which are all more valuable in Boost mode. Using a headrest-mounted tablet allows players to keep the horizon in view, significantly reducing motion sickness reported by headset users in moving vehicles.

It’s no fun when the vehicle is halted; therefore, the “host” (the driver) can load a version of the game set across the Golden Gate Bridge while stopped in traffic or open a “shop” where coin balances can be utilized to upgrade cars, helmets, etc. There are no hardware costs for any vehicle equipped with sufficient camera and onboard ADAS computing power, and an unnamed OEM has contracted to incorporate Valeo Racer in the upcoming year.

Trailering Tech: Bosch Anywhere Parking

Bosch Anywhere Parking is a drag-and-drop, screen-based solution that simplifies the parking process for towing novices, whether parking a camper at a campsite or a boat at the launch. The system uses 360-degree camera systems. Initially, it assesses the trailer’s size and the distance from hitch to axles. When approaching a campsite or boat launch and activating the system, an image of the trailer becomes available for placement on the site image.

Upon activating the parking maneuver, it instructs the driver on which gears to select and manages all steering to position the trailer correctly. However, the driver and any spotters must ensure the trailer avoids obstacles and individuals. Incorporating a trailer camera could also provide object detection and potentially automatic emergency braking. Bosch is actively seeking customers for this purely software-defined feature.

Additionally, Bosch demonstrated its Trailer Assist system, currently in production with Mercedes-Benz. This system eliminates traditional knobs, allowing users to select straight back or right-angle reversing maneuvers through the screen, thus reducing stress for infrequent vacation trailer-tow drivers.

Cool Cockpit Concepts: Valeo Panovision

Pillar-to-pillar screens are increasingly prevalent, and Valeo Panovision represents a unique iteration of a pillar-to-pillar HUD. While it utilizes three 15.9-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screens, they are horizontally mounted in the dashboard to reflect upon a blacked-out stripe at the base of the windshield.

A polarizing film ensures compatibility with all legal polarized sunglasses, effectively adjusting the display’s focal length to slightly in front of the windshield, reducing eye fatigue. This technology also supports passenger-only viewing of video content while in motion by directing the “eye box” of the screen.

Cool Cockpit Concepts: Valeo Dynamic Projection

Valeo Dynamic Projection functions similarly to logo puddle lamps, albeit with enhanced resolution and full color. It was showcased on a dash-top area, potentially covering an air vent and variable-function switches. The display was capable of presenting welcome messages, ADAS information, climate conditions, and interactive buttons. This approach is expected to be significantly cheaper than producing an equivalent touchscreen area that limits complex shapes and ventilation functions.

Electrification: Magna Dedicated Hybrid Drive

At each supplier meeting, the CEO or regional head stressed their readiness to support any shift between fully electric and hybrid drivetrain strategies. Magna’s Dedicated Hybrid Drive (DHD) Duo is a two-motor hybrid transaxle concept currently in production in China and Europe, featuring a 187-hp primary motor and a 121-hp motor-generator unit. This solution supports a broad range of performance requirements, being usable alone or in conjunction with an electric helper axle.

Electrification: Valeo’s Smart eDrive

Speaking of helper axles, Valeo’s Smart eDrive provides an economical auxiliary drive unit that includes its own inverter and requires no external cooling. A smart oil pump circulates lubrication effectively, utilizing external air-cooling fins for temperature control.

Electrification: Valeo’s 6-in-1 E-Axle

Valeo’s 6-in-1 E-Axle integrates the motor, drive reduction, inverter, charger, DC-DC converter, and power-distribution functions into a single unit, scalable from 54 to 402 hp, utilizing either permanent magnets or self-excited (copper-wound) rotors. The latter can implement brushed contacts by 2027 or inductive power transmission in subsequent iterations. Valeo claims to offer best-in-class efficiency and a power density of 2 hp/pound. Additionally, Valeo displayed what they assert is the smallest 22-kW onboard charging unit equipped for users with a 100A home charger.

Electrification: Magna Rotor Retaining Tabs

Magna has vertically integrated the production of its stator and rotor steel lamination plates and implemented several innovations. Historically, reclaiming permanent magnets has been challenging when retained by adhesive means; however, by integrating small retaining tabs in the laminations, the magnets are securely held during their operational lifetime and can be extracted more easily at the end.

Electrification: Magna Stator-Rotor Laminations

Magna has developed a novel dot-adhesive to maintain the assembly of each steel lamination (measuring 0.2 to 0.3mm thick) together during assembly. Additionally, Magna has introduced a multi-strike process that allows the creation of super-deep draw (6.3 inches deep) battery boxes with sharper edges around the bottom (0.2-inch radius) and at the four vertical corners (3.0 inches). This enhancement improves the volumetric efficiency of installed batteries, which are generally rectangular.

Lighting Concepts: Valeo Projector HUD CHMSL

Valeo lighting designers have innovatively addressed the question of why a center high-mount stop light (CHMSL) must remain unsightly when not illuminated. Their solution is the Projector HUD CHMSL, which employs extra-bright illumination directed onto the glass from a horizontally mounted source above the air deflector. This approach ensures that a following vehicle only sees the complete light, highlighted by Audi Quattro branding, when braking occurs. Additionally, it can offer animated lighting signals.

Lighting Concepts: Invision Adaptive Driving Beam

Smart headlamps have been available globally for a while and are expected to reach the market shortly. These adaptive lamps can locally dim the high-beam pattern to avoid blinding oncoming drivers or those directly ahead. Magna showcased a range of offerings at varying price points, beginning with 11-segment and 13-segment bi-matrix projectors for entry-level vehicles, up to 24- and 60-segment projectors, and even 16,000-pixel (4K resolution) beams capable of projecting visual content. All manufacturers face challenges meeting the standards regarding glare reduction for all vehicles, from low cars to lifted trucks, particularly while traversing bumpy terrain.