Nokia today announced joint development with Continental for next generation Electronic Horizon, Automated Driving and new Intelligent Transportation Systems based on high precision map technology. Unveiling the intensification of said collaboration at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the two companies will look to "bring the Connected Car to life."
The two teams will begin with the development of highly precise map technology for Continental's Electronic Horizon platform, which will enable vehicles to continuously determine its position on the road to within 3-8 inches. Maps will include a range of road information, including lane markings and connectivity, speed restriction alterations, signage and more.
This technology advancement will further bring automation into play with vehicles reacting to shifting circumstances, including changing speed limits and more. It's believed this sort of advancement will improve the overall experience for drivers in areas such as comfort, efficiency and safety.
Continental aims to provide a complete end-to-end connected Electronic Horizon solution, based on HERE services and data, to vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The company is currently targeting vehicles rolling off assembly lines by 2020.
The collaboration between Continental and Nokia not only covers automated driving, but also lays foundations for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Both parties believe that there will be numerous phases in the evolution towards connected ITS, of which automated driving is one.
Ralf Lenninger, Head of Interior Electronics Solutions, Continental commented the following on today's announcement:
"With precise map data from HERE and the connected Electronic Horizon, we will achieve advancements across all areas of today’s vehicle-based individual mobility. With the connected Electronic Horizon, vehicle manufacturers will be able to reduce their vehicles’ CO2-footprint by at least two grams per kilometer. In addition, exact map data will make the driving experience more enjoyable and safe by providing useful information about road congestion so that drivers can predetermine alternate routes, as well as a way to adapt future LED headlight functions to the road ahead."
With Nokia shifting the company's focus to HERE, NSN and its patent portfolio, we're excited to learn what Nokia plans to do in the future, regarding not only telecommunication technology, but also tapping into our daily lives.
