The Connected Vehicle Working Group in Canada, established by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, crammed all the Canadian–built “connected-vehicle technology” it could find into a concept car, which started as a Lexus RX350. Here are some of the sensors and features that were added:
Sensors and safety
- Alcolock L from Alcohol Countermeasures Systems prevents drivers under the influence of alcohol from starting the engine.
- An early warning system from B.R.A.K.E.R.S. warns drivers when police, fire trucks, or ambulances are approaching.
- Road condition and weather information from a Weather Telematics device beams traffic and weather updates to drivers and provides dynamic navigation based on those reports.
- Smart optics from Magna International include a rearview mirror that alerts drivers to other vehicles on the road and lights under the outside rearview mirrors that illuminate the boarding areas.
- Proximity sensors and cameras from MIS Electronics provide 360° views and warnings if anything is near the vehicle.
Vehicle connectivity and data analysis
- Broadband connectivity from Rogers Communications includes full 4G/LTE and onboard Wi-Fi.
- Drivesynch from Intelligent Mechatronics Systems uses modular telematics to deliver driver and vehicle data, along with analysis.
- Helios induction charger from Legget & Platt Automotive charges wireless mobile devices in the vehicle.
- Mobility Management System from Pravala Networks lets mobile and Wi-Fi networks offload and manage traffic data.
In-vehicle experience
- Ambient lighting from TE Connectivity lets drivers customize the cabin illumination over a Local Interconnect Network.
- GestureSense sensors from XYZ Interactive Technology give drivers control of many of the car’s features using physical hand motions.
- CAR2 operating system from QNX Software Systems integrates several in-cabin subsystems, including the primary touchscreen on the console and the digital instrument cluster.