Connected World

Our “Connected World” research develops visions, strategies and innovation for mobile people and automobiles in the networked world of tomorrow.

 

The vehicle of the future is part of our connected world, a world where entertainment, communication, knowledge and personal contacts are accessible to anyone, anywhere, any time. In tomorrow’s world, everyday objects will be able to assimilate their surroundings through the “invisible” integration of microelectronics and sensor technology in order to communicate with other objects or the internet (“ubiquitous computing”), and new assistance systems will support people in every situation. Many of the necessary IT technologies and applications have already been developed by the communications, computer and consumer electronics industries and various initiatives, and others are certain to follow.

Today, information is already exchanged between the vehicle and mobile equipment (MP3 players, smart phones, intelligent clock solutions, vehicle keys, etc.). In future, communication will also be possible between the vehicle and the home or office; between vehicles and filling stations, shopping malls, car parks, roads and traffic infrastructure; between vehicles and customer service or even the automaker’s production environment; and finally, from vehicle to vehicle.

 

This creates the technological environment needed for networking the vehicle and its occupants with the world outside. But it is not yet sufficient to be accepted by our customers in the market. We will be creating enhanced or new customer benefit by using these technologies in our vehicles and developing the appropriate business models.

 

The challenge facing the automotive industry lies in the fact that other industries are already masterminding the development of technologies and standards with substantially larger resources and significantly shorter innovation cycles.