Passive and active sensors that detect low-frequency (audio) to the invisible (Radar, Lidar and Thermal) to cameras, will be central to creating autonomous vehicles that yield safer driving. Similarly, outward communications, whether via dynamic signage, audio blasts or some other means, to the humans walking, riding or driving the streets is critical for mobility machines (as Dr. Kornhauser would say), to become accepted by the public.

Integrating these sensors, which have largely been bolted in early autonomous vehicle prototypes, so that they blend in like today’s headlamps will be another key to making the magic invisible and part of everyday life. That a top-tier vehicle supplier like Magneti Marelli USA is so far along in integrating next-generation sensors into the form-factor of existing vehicles is an indicator that the autonomous future continues to progress. It goes beyond the hardware, as Magneti Marelli is thinking through how to automate the ongoing operations (such as cameras modules that automatically clean dirt and debris to ensure good vision).

In the above interview, Bill Grabowski, Head of Innovation/Think Tank for Magneti Marelli USA, describes the array of sensors they are developing with partners, including a surprise communications capability using LiFi from partner OLEDCOMM (stay tuned for a ViodiTV interview with OLEDCOMM). As Grabowski points out LiFi offers secure, short-range communications and could be useful for high-speed download/uploads and various applications, including location-specific advertisements.

Magneti Marelli demonstrated various types of projected messages, which would help a vehicle communicate with its surrounding environment. This communication includes the subtle cues that a car-driver currently gives to a pedestrian (e.g. the hand movement indicating it’s safe to cross the street) to new messages about road conditions (e.g. icy road) to the potential commercialization (e.g. mobile billboards). Of course, outfitted with speakers, vehicles of the future, with the sensors shown by Magneti Marelli, could be equivalent to an Alexa or Google Assistant on wheels.

Magneti Marelli’s CES2019 demonstration sparked the thought that future politicians will use the technology as autonomous, mobile barkers as part of their campaign efforts.