BMW's Technology Showcase at CES 2016

BMW has been known to push boundaries of automotive technologies. All techno-freaks eagerly wait for this German automaker to showcase something groundbreaking every year. After showcasing the 360 degree collision avoidance system and fully-automated parking in multi-storey car parks last year, it seems like BMW still has a lot in store for this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). CES is the one place where every electronic manufacturer from around the globe showcases their upcoming technologies. It's like an Auto Expo for gadgets. With cars today being largely a circuit house, they have found a new home. Here are the top innovations that BMW is featuring at the ongoing (6 to 9 January) CES in Las Vegas.

BMW i Vision: Future Interaction

Networked Cockpit

This concept uses high-resolution displays on which the controls adjust themselves to match the situation. Also, the cockpit features gesture controls, touch-sensitive surfaces and voice control. The drive information is displayed to the driver by the means of a head-up display, instrument cluster with three-dimensional display and 21-inch panorama display.

Air Touch

Sensors inside the cabin recognise movements made with the hand and also depth of the movement to register an input. This means that the panorama display can be operated like a touchscreen without having to actually touch the surface. Also, the control elements have been reduced to a minimum, as the three drive modes, namely Pure Drive (driving yourself), Assist (assistance systems intervene actively) and Auto Mode (highly automated operation) can be selected via the steering wheel.

Internet of Things

This concept stands for a comprehensive networking system which facilitates new services for added efficiency and comfort. They include services like the intelligent Open Mobility Cloud of the BMW Group which connects networked systems such as a BMW i3 and a Smart Home with personal end devices like a smartphone or a smartwatch. Users are provided with predictive information which is relevant to them by networking with the Open Mobility Cloud.

Mobility Mirror

It is a concept in which the mirror and display are incorporated in the same unit. It is a component of the Internet of Things network and uses the Open Mobility Cloud. All important informations of the day such as personal calendar, mobility options, energy status of the smart home, charge status of the BMW i3 and weather forecast are shown in the Mobility Mirror display.

Gesture Control Parking

This concept shows how the BMW i3 recognises gestures and drives into and out of a parking space fully automatically.

Remote 3D View

This research application uses the cameras in BMW i3 as constituent elements of the input for Internet of Things. These images taken by the cameras and are then streamed to the networked devices to provide an overview of the area around the vehicle.

Bumper Detect

This system identifies whether the parked vehicle has been bumped and if so, it then activates the vehicle cameras. The networked systems at the same time sends a message to the driver’s smartphone, and images are sent if requested. This is also an anti-theft system as it recognises whether unauthorised persons are tampering with the vehicle and sends images to the networked mobile devices.

BMW Connected

It is a prototype of a personalised digital assistant for individual mobility. This system is available all the time on all networked end devices: at home, on foot, on the move in the user’s own vehicle, or on public transport. Information relevant to the user is always provided at the right time. BMW Connected learns, for example, routes which are taken on a regular basis and proactively informs the user if any disruption is expected along the route.

BMW i8 Mirrorless

BMW i8 Mirrorless system employs three cameras which replaces the rearview mirror. They cover a larger viewing angle and eliminate dangerous “blind spots”. Images from the cameras are united on a display, which subsequently replaces the interior mirror. This system evaluates camera images and provides an immediate response to imminent hazards. Superimposed trajectory lines provide support during parking and the passenger can also observe the traffic behind the vehicle. BMW i3 Extended Rearview Mirror links up the mirror with camera technology. In the interior mirror, precise images are displayed from a camera positioned on the roof. This provides a significantly extended field of view.

Also Read: Next Generation BMW 7-Series to be Unveiled at Auto Expo 2016