Las Vegas, Nevada, January 9, 2024 – Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM) is set to showcase its latest technological marvel, the Afeela Prototype, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. The event, taking place in Las Vegas, promises to be a pivotal moment for the company.
Following a pre-CES press conference on January 8, SHM’s Representative Director, President, and COO Izumi Kawanishi revealed the advanced prototype, emphasizing its core themes: “AI for ADAS” (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and “Mobility as a Creative Entertainment Space.” Kawanishi’s presentation highlighted SHM’s ambition to redefine the interaction between humans and mobility.
Key Highlights from the Presentation:
- AI-Driven Mobility: SHM is focusing on integrating AI with various sensing devices to enhance AD/ADAS. This includes adopting advanced technologies like Vision Transformers for perception and machine learning for path planning, supported by Qualcomm Technologies’ high-performance automotive SoCs.
- Innovative User Experiences: In collaboration with Epic Games, SHM is pioneering new entertainment and gaming experiences in mobility. Utilizing virtual spaces, these features are set to revolutionize the way users interact with their environment, integrating AR for an immersive experience. The Unreal Engine 5.3 powers these innovations, ensuring cutting-edge graphics and interactivity.
- Co-Creation and Open Development Environment: SHM announced the Afeela Co-Creation Program, an initiative to foster an open environment for developers and creators to build applications and services for Afeela. This approach aims to deepen the bond between users and mobility, transforming it into a service that connects society.
- Partnership with Microsoft: Enhancing the personal mobility experience, SHM has partnered with Microsoft to develop a conversational personal agent using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This collaboration underscores the importance of responsible and safe AI in the evolving mobility landscape.
- Collaboration with Polyphony Digital: In a unique fusion of virtual and real-world technologies, SHM is working with Polyphony Digital to develop vehicles that resonate with human senses and emotions, leveraging Polyphony’s simulation technology.
Exhibited at CES 2024:
- The Afeela Prototype: Building on the concept unveiled at CES 2023, the prototype has evolved significantly towards mass production.
- Interactive Simulator: An experience showcasing SHM’s partnership with Epic Games, allowing visitors to explore the concept of AR-enhanced UIs.
As CES 2024 unfolds, Sony Honda Mobility Inc. is poised to redefine mobility, blending AI, entertainment, and human-centered design to create a future where mobility is more than just transportation—it’s an experience.
