Sony and Honda unveil AFEELA prototype at CES mobility showcase
Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM) unveiled the next iteration of its AFEELA Prototype at CES® 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prototype, which has evolved toward mass production, was first presented at CES® 2023.
Izumi Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and COO of SHM, showcased the evolved prototype. SHM is collaborating with Polyphony Digital in vehicle development, aiming to fuse the virtual and the real, especially in the area of human senses and emotions.
In terms of AI for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), SHM is adopting Vision Transformer for perception and machine learning for path planning. Qualcomm Technologies' high-performance SoCs for automotive applications are being used in this system.
SHM is also collaborating with Microsoft to develop a conversational personal agent using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This agent will be an integral part of the AFEELA prototypes.
The new user experience in mobility is being developed by SHM, utilising vehicle data and sensing data. This experience, in conjunction with virtual space, is being developed with Epic Games.
SHM is continuing to implement updates for the latest Unreal Engine advancements, as previously mentioned. This includes the use of Unreal Engine 5.3.
In addition to the technological advancements, SHM is providing an open mobility development environment for creators and developers. This environment allows for the free expression of digital gadgets, aiming to make AFEELA a unique and endearing presence for users.
As part of this open development environment, SHM is opening the AFEELA Co-Creation Program. This program provides a space for creators and developers to freely develop applications and services for AFEELA.
SHM is also exhibiting a simulator as an example of their new entertainment and gaming features. This simulator allows visitors to experience the concept of UI overlaid with AR.
SHM aims to revolutionize how people move by redefining the relationship between people and mobility. The company aims to nurture AFEELA as mobility with intelligence and explore new possibilities beyond conventional car values.
In collaboration with Polyphony Digital, SHM is developing new entertainment and gaming features utilizing virtual space. This collaboration aims to create a more immersive and engaging driving experience for AFEELA users.
Overall, SHM's AFEELA Prototype showcases the company's commitment to innovation and its vision for the future of mobility.
