Shifting gears, adjusting volume: LG working on tech to read driver's gestures for Mercedes-Benz
A camera installed in the car ceiling will read the driver’s hand gestures.
By Bloomberg |
Agencies
By Sam Kim
LG Electronics Co. is the supplier for a Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz model that will feature a motion-detection system that can read a driver’s gestures in order to control some automobile functions, people with knowledge of the matter said.
A camera installed in the car ceiling will read the driver’s hand gestures, letting them control tasks such as turning on cruise control and adjusting music volume. Ultimately, LG envisions a system that can perform more complex functions such as shifting gears, said the people, asking not to be identified because the information isn’t yet public.
BMW has already deployed a similar system in its 7 Series sedans, using technology from Softkinetic Systems, which was later bought by Sony Corp. LG already has a deal with Mercedes for a camera system that can tell if the driver is drowsy. A Jan. 8 news release by Mercedes-Benz from CES in Las Vegas showcased a new feature called MBUX Interior Assist, which lets occupants of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe control functions with gestures.
The ability to detect pedestrians and read traffic signs has also been deployed by several automakers; such advanced driver assistance systems are building blocks for fully autonomous vehicles that can fundamentally change the way people ride in cars in the future. LG is also working on a driver-assistance system, which it aims to supply to Daimler later this year or in early 2020. Delivery was initially set for later this year, but was being delayed because the South Korean company had trouble acquiring the necessary chips, one of the people said.
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Representatives for LG and Daimler declined to comment.
LG is a member of a South Korean conglomerate that’s been stepping up efforts to supply auto components, from electronic batteries to digital dashboards. LG competes with Intel Corp.’s Mobileye and Harman, a unit of Samsung Electronics Co., in the driver-assistance market, which is expected to expand to $67 billion by 2025 according to Grand View Research.
The Seoul-based company is seeking new sources of profit as its mobile phone and consumer electronics sales shrink in saturated markets. LG said earlier this month that its fourth-quarter operating profit fell 80 percent to 75.3 billion won, compared with the 389 billion won average analyst estimate compiled by Bloomberg.
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Cadillac EV SUV, Nissan IMs: Electric Vehicles A Rage At Detroit Auto Show
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The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also known as the Detroit Auto Show, is the year's first for automobile manufacturers and enthusiasts. This year's show is even more important because this is the last time that the event is taking place in January. In the year 2020, it is scheduled to take place in June because Detroit's cold weather does not let carmakers show-off the beauties in the open. Although electric vehicles are not a big draw at the NAIAS, this year Detroit saw some showcases from big names. Here are a few of them:
(In Pic: Top left: Cadillac EV SUV, top right: Nissan logo, bottom left: Cadillac logo, bottom right: Nisan IMs)
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Cadillac revealed the platform of the car which is capable of front, rear, and an all-wheel drive. The car which is a 5-passenger electric Cadillac, will have a range of more than 300 miles. The surprise element is probably a square steering wheel which will fold into the dashboard.
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The IMs concept by Nissan has been described by the company as an elevated sports sedan. The vehicle is a pure electric, all-wheel concept with fully autonomous drive capabilities too. The car has a svelte look with smooth lines. Although, the car doesn't have a conventional grille, the Japanese carmaker has managed to put in their trademark V-shaped front end with the help of the headlights. A thin strip of LED lighting span the tail at the back.
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The all-electric SUV is 183 inches long, rides on 22-inch massive wheels, does not have the conventional front grille, has smooth surfaces and an illuminated Infiniti logo. The QX Inspiration features a battery pack stored below the floor which feeds two electric motors, one for each axle.The dashboard is dominated by a large screen.
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This beauty from Kia has a range of 236 miles which it gets from the 64 kilowatt-hour battery. The car is powered by an electric motor which is rated at 201 horsepower. The vehicle offers Level Two autonomous driving technology which means that the acceleration, brakes and steering can be controlled depending upon the conditions.
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As the Japanese automaker tries to distance itself from the high-profile arrest of their star executive Carlos Ghosn, they showcased a new and improved version of their electric car Leaf. The car has faster acceleration, more torque, offers a range of 285 miles per charge.
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