Alps Alpine and Pioneer recently announced new corporate developments that signal their tech direction down the road.
Earlier this year, Alps Alpine announced it became the first Japanese company to develop a 5G module for cars that can be used for improved real time traffic updates, for vehicle to vehicle (and vehicle to infrastructure –V2X) communication and for use in autonomous cars.
Alps Alpine said 5G for V2X is difficult to manufacture because the modules can overheat. Also, the modules tend to be larger than 4G so there’s a need to optimize the design so it can fit in typical OEM circuits.
The company said its 5G modules are compatible with various worldwide 5G systems.
Alps Alpine is also working on developing digital keys for car sharing using block chain technology.
Pioneer Corporation announced it is partnering with Cerence Inc., a company that provides conversational artificial intelligence technology for automobile applications. Pioneer will combine its hardware and services with Cerence’s conversational AI to create AI products for the car.
The goal is to create products that “transform any car into an intelligent, personalized companion and bring drivers’ broader digital lives into the car,” said Cerence CEO Sanjay Dhawan.
“As cars are getting more connected, drivers are experiencing more stress from the sheer volume of information being processed in the car,” said Shiro Yahara, President and CEO of Pioneer. “…there is a need to make the in-car experience more comfortable and enjoyable for both drivers and passengers. …Together with Cerence, we will develop unprecedented new values in the aftermarket with voice HMI, which will significantly transform the mobility experience and take it to the next level.”
SiriusXM also announced a deal with Cerence this month.
Pioneer noted that its products can be found in more than 10 million in-car infotainment systems annually. Cerence said more than 350 million cars have shipped with its technology.
