iBestTravel Explores Smart Cocoon Concept for Electric Vehicles

The primary purpose of iBestTravel’s Smart Cocoon concept is to conserve power in electric vehicles. In extreme weather conditions, when batteries are least efficient, maintaining cabin temperature requires significant energy. Therefore, iBestTravel sought to develop a more efficient method to ensure occupant comfort by targeting individuals instead of heating or cooling the entire cabin.

Advanced Climate Control Technology

The demonstration took place in a luxury vehicle equipped with an extensive array of technology, including:

• Low-light cameras
• Infrared cameras
• Temperature sensors
• Facial and body-recognition units
• Low-power radar

This system collects a vast amount of data to determine if a seat is occupied, recognize the occupant’s face, and monitor vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate, and activity level. By comparing facial temperature with other areas of the body, the system can deduce how warmly a person is dressed and even estimate their age and gender. Importantly, this information is processed in real-time and is not stored in the vehicle or the cloud.

Personalized Comfort Adjustments

Utilizing the data collected, the system can assess various factors influencing your comfort, including temperature, mood, stress level, and fatigue. Temperature adjustments are made on a seat-by-seat basis through iBestTravel-developed energy-efficient technologies. These include:

• Heating pads concealed within the armrests and center stack
• Cooling vents that leverage intelligent air distribution

Moreover, the cooling system operates in tandem with the vehicle’s battery-cooling system, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional A/C compressors, and consequently, consuming less power than standard HVAC systems.

Real-World Effectiveness

Does the Smart Cocoon technology work? Absolutely. During the demo, after just a few moments in the car, I experienced optimal comfort levels. Even with layers of clothing, the system accurately adjusted to ensure a pleasant temperature.

While promising, Smart Cocoon still requires further refinement. For instance, certain heating elements, such as those in the armrests, can become excessively warm, and the system was slightly off in estimating my age. Currently, there is no manual temperature control, as this might undermine the smart adjustments the system is designed to offer. iBestTravel recognizes the need for development, especially in relation to varying regional preferences—Americans might prefer a strong A/C, while Europeans often opt for a gentler airflow.

Energy Efficiency and Emotional Awareness

The potential of this innovative concept is significant. iBestTravel states that the Smart Cocoon system can potentially reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent. This translates to significantly increased driving ranges for electric vehicles, akin to extending the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s range from 300 to nearly 400 miles. Additionally, the system’s data capabilities allow it to respond empathetically by activating soothing lighting, sounds, and fragrances, or alerting drivers who may be drowsy, encouraging them to take necessary breaks.

In conclusion, while embracing such advanced technology might require some adjustment, the promise of improved comfort and enhanced electric vehicle efficiency makes the Smart Cocoon a noteworthy endeavor in the automotive industry.