CES 2020, the nation’s biggest annual technology show held in Las Vegas, revealed the newest in cutting-edge vehicle technology. As always, the event was jam-packed with the latest exciting offerings from the world’s biggest automakers. Biometrics, air taxis, and all-electric cars are some of the highlights that show us what to expect from the cars of the future.
Biometrics to improve safety
The Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR features innovative new biometrics tech. Inspired by the 2009 movie, Avatar, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with the very same team who worked on the movie to develop the all-electric concept car. The biometric features enable the car to monitor both drivers and passengers to improve safety. It detects the driver’s breathing and pulse to make sure they’re paying attention on the road. There’s also no steering wheel, gear, or pedals — passengers and driver interact with the car with a multifunctional control activated by one’s palm.
Additionally, the car has 33 “bionic flaps” which contact other cars in close proximity to prevent road accidents and crashes. Car accidents are a common occurrence which injure 50 million and kill 1.25 million people each year. In addition to injury, lost work hours, medical bills, and housekeeping expenses are just some of the costs further caused by car accidents — highlighting the importance of consulting a personal injury lawyer to recover money as compensation for accident-related expenses. Fortunately, biometrics will go along way in preventing accidents and optimizing safety systems in the event of a crash.
Air taxis
Hyundai Motor have collaborated with Uber to design the new S-A1, an electrically powered personal air vehicle (PAV). The model is part of their future line of flying taxis designed for Uber Elevate, the aerial ridehailing service, and could fly as soon as 2023. The S-A1 fits four passengers with no middle seat, which allows efficient boarding. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour and a cruising altitude of roughly 1-2,000 feet. It can complete trips of up to 60 miles and takes only between five to seven minutes to recharge. “We can reduce travel time drastically by working around [ground] traffic congestion. We’ll be able to fly on demand, rather than fitting our lives around an airline’s schedule,” Youngcho Chi, chief innovation officer at Hyundai Motor Company, commented.
Sony’s all-electric concept car
Sony unveiled its new Vision S at CES, an all-electric concept car, which is the beginning of the company’s plan to expand into the automotive industry. They collaborated with Bosch, Magna, Continental and other companies to create the car. The Vision S is equipped with new audio sensors and in-car entertainment technologies, including Sony’s 360 Reality Audio system. It also features an exciting number of screens — the longest one spanning the length of the dashboard. The vehicle includes 33 sensors both inside and outside, which showcase Sony’s potential for creating self-driving cars.
These are just some of the most exciting announcements from the recent CES technology conference. Biometric, air, and all-electric cars are three models we can look forward to driving in the future.