4 Automotive Innovations That Caught The Spotlight At CES 2024

CES, aka Consumer Technology Association, is a global technology trade show that happens every year in Las Vegas, showcasing the best of innovations that the world has to offer. This year’s show just got wrapped up and here are four automotive innovations from the show that caught our eye and the spotlight in equal parts:

Sony-Honda Afeela

We know Sony and Honda have been working together on a new concept EV called the Afeela. A launch is expected sometime around 2026, but Sony was quick to show off the technological capabilities of the Afeela EV, as it drove a prototype on stage, controlled by, you guessed it, a DualSense from the PS5 console. While this won’t be feasible in the real world, this goes to show the depth of technological possibilities. It is also leaning heavily on the use of artificial intelligence for various functionalities including ADAS.

Now as for the car itself, it is currently a prototype featuring a sleek-looking sedan body with slim LED head and tailights, sitting on 21-inch wheels. The cabin features a dashboard consisting heavily of screens spanning the width of the car. The rest of the styling approach is minimalist in true modern EV fashion. 

The prototype packs a 91kWh battery pack which powers all four wheels via a motor at each axle. There are no claimed range numbers as of now, but you can expect a combined output of around 489PS. Of course, it has fast charging of up to 150kW.

VW integrates ChatGPT

ChatGPT had everyone tripping in 2023, and not without reason. Its potential is immense and Volkswagen is one of the early adopters to acknowledge and implement this technology within their vehicles. The German carmaker showcased the first vehicles with the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT integrated into its IDA voice assistant. 

This will expand the basic functionality of the voice command function largely as it’ll be able to provide additional information in response to questions, enriching conversations that are usually just limited to preset commands and responses. 

Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX Virtual Assistant

If you’re familiar with Mercedes’ cars, then you must be familiar with its operating system: the MBUX. Now, Mercedes is taking it to the next level using generative AI and advanced 3D graphics. Revealed at the CES 2024, the new system promises to make interactions more natural, intuitive and personalised. It is based on a new operating system called MB.OS, which sports a ‘human-like interface’. It extends to a new in-car music experience called MBUX SOUND DRIVE that’s been developed by Mercedes-AMG in collaboration with American entrepreneur will.i.am. It can emulate sounds according to your driving style, making the whole experience a lot more involving and engaging. Watch this reel below to get a better understanding:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg)

Hyundai Mobis e-Corner System

Can’t parallel park? Hyundai Mobis, a global automotive supplier, has just the thing for you to kick those parking woes off into the horizon. Called an ‘e-Corner System’, this technology helps you move your vehicle in more than just your usual direction, allowing for lateral and diagonal motion, as well as stationary pivot turns. All of this is possible thanks to individual control of all four wheels, using small motors inside each wheel. Watch it in action below:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by MOBIS Worldwide (@mobis_worldwide)

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE Detailed First Look Of The Tata Punch EV

What according to you was the most innovative demo of the lot? Seems like going forward, we’re going to be seeing and experiencing a whole lot of artificial intelligence in our cars for good–or, maybe, for bad. Terminator vibes, anyone?