Tired of the endless traffic gridlocks? Well, soon a car that helps you navigate the traffic jams may hit the Kenyan market and help you get alternative routes that will make your work on the roads stress-free.
Germany carmaker Mercedes-Benz and South Korean electronics titan LG have struck a deal that will create a stereo camera system affixed in the cars to help drivers manoeuvre the traffic snarl-ups that people always use as excuses when they get late for work or meetings.
With market research firms such as Navigant Research predicting that by 2035 sales of vehicles will be at 95.4 million annually, the issue of safety driving and ability to beat heavy traffic will be the main focus of car buyers. Google touched off a fierce battle in the automobile market last year with the launch of a self-driven car (see: https://businesstoday.co.ke/news/news/1419320002/google-unveils-first-driverless-car) and the development between LG and Benz will just be another icing of the cake.
Under the new partnership, Mercedes-Benz will license parts of its 6D Vision technology to LG. The phone-maker will then improve its existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies and is currently transferring technologies from its home entertainment and mobile communications businesses into its automotive component business – LG Vehicle Components Company.
The electronics manufacturer will work on improving LG revealed that its ADAS technologies currently include Forward-looking Single and Stereo Camera Systems for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Pedestrian and Bicyclist Protection. They also include Driver State Monitoring Systems, which will keep a track of driver’s biometric state, attention or drowsiness level, and eye position, apart from Surround View Monitoring Systems, which will help the driver with parking movements.
The car maker is seeking to enhance its cars advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) through collaborated efforts with the electronics company. LG Electronics will be developing a system that will provide the driver with the option of allowing an electronic system to drive the car. “Mercedes-Benz is the ideal partner for LG as both companies share a vision of how ADAS technologies can improve the wellbeing and lives of all consumers,” said Woo-jong Lee, president and CEO of the LG Vehicle Components Company at the time of announcement.
“As the automobile evolves from a mechanical to an electronic system, LG will be in the perfect position to contribute its experience to the exciting automotive industry.”
Research and development in LG’s camera systems such as computer algorithms and other technologies will be used to elevate the ADAS technologies of Mercedes Benz. The joining of these technologies is aimed at giving the driver a convenient and superior user experience, as well as better in-car entertainment options. The relationship with Mercedes Benz was forged as a result of LG’s capabilities in developing the next-gen camera system technology.
The automaker’s aim is to combine their existing 6D vision technology with the electronic firm’s camera system technologies. This will give the driver the ability to turn real-time decision making over to the car at any time, easing the pressure of driving for Mercedes Benz owners. The range of automated driving may include simply slowing down when the car is in motion, to fully autonomous operations that will take responsibility from the driver.
This expansion of industrial technique is not unique to LG as industry counterparts Apple and Google are also exploring company capabilities in developing an auto-driven car. Apple has currently developed a dashboard system that integrates the iOS system. Carplay gives the driver ability to listen to music, use maps and other aspects.
Currently carmakers including Ford and Honda have integrated the Apple product for their customer’s driving needs. Google’s Android Auto Project is aimed at giving users a fully autonomous driven car. Technologies aimed at being incorporated into the vehicle include internet services, the recognisable Google Glass and more.
