The future of the automobile at electronica 2014:
Connectivity, lighting and autonomous driving
In the future, mobility will to a large extent be influenced by developments in automotive electronics. The latest buzzwords include energy efficiency, electromobility, connected car and autonomous driving. This year, some 1,500 exhibitors will demonstrate these and other topics at electronica 2014 from November 11-14 (Fair ground). Experts will also discuss the industry's latest challenges and developments at the automotive Forum and the electronica automotive conference.
Automotive electronics is one of the most important segments in the market for electronic components. Automobiles already have on-board computers as well as infotainment and assistance systems with a constantly growing range of functions. Electromobility, or the increased networking of automobiles and the development of autonomous driving, could mean additional potential for the industry.
The economic development agency Germany Trade and Invest expects that global market volume for automotive electronics last year will be worth some 190 billion US dollars. According to a forecast by the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI), market volume is expected to increase to more than 430 billion euros by the year 2025.
Industry
gathering electronica
"The future of driving is electrified, automated and networked," is also what Klaus Meder, Chairman of the Automotive Electronics Division at Robert Bosch, says. Electronics plays a key role in that development. That is why the value of hardware and software in the automobile will continue to increase in the years to come. Expanded Euro NCAP guidelines, which are used to assess vehicle safety, are driving the spread of assistance systems such as advanced emergency braking systems.
Customers and manufacturers alike are putting their money on more and more networked functions in the automobile. However, energy efficiency is also an important topic: "New drive solutions will make it possible to further reduce CO2 emissions and conserve resources," explains Meder. Electromobility in particular calls for new products, particularly when it comes to power elements. To demonstrate how much progress developments in this area have already made, Robert Bosch is presenting its latest solutions in the semiconductor, sensor and power-module sectors at electronica (Fair ground).
Elektrobit Automotive is also betting on the "connected everything" trend, which is why it has established its own Connected Car Division. At electronica, the company is participating at the Autosar joint exhibit: Among other things, it will introduce the Autosar EB tresos Safety OS operating system, which is ISO 26262-compliant and is suitable for use on ASIL D (Automotive Safety Integrity Levels D) control units. "electronica is a major gathering for the electronics industry, and thanks to its automotive sector, it is also a very important event for us. The fair is an outstanding opportunity to make contacts and find out which trends and challenges the industry is working on," says Florian Wandling, Head of Innovation Car Infrastructure in the Automotive Business Segment at Elektrobit Automotive.
The fair not only allows visitors to see the latest technologies: The automotive Forum and the lectures and panel discussions also the perfect opportunity to gather information about the latest developments and trends. During the four days of the 2014 fair, the topics of power electronics and automotive software will be the focus of special attention.
Expert knowledge at
the electronica automotive conference
The electronica automotive conference is held on November 10, which is the day before electronica 2014 (Fair ground). The conference is where leading executives and experts from the automotive sector meet to exchange ideas and information about topics that play a key role in the transition that is affecting the entire industry.
The lectures at this year's conference are divided into three subject areas, i.e. Lighting, Sensor Fusion and Connectivity. The conference will begin with keynotes from Dr. Wolfgang Huhn (Audi AG), Jean-Francois Tarabbia (Valeo) and Prof. Hermann Eul (Intel Corporation). Another conference highlight is the final discussion on the topic "What effects do massive market shifts eastward have on the European automobile industry's capacity for innovation?" Panel discussion participants include Klaus Meder (Robert Bosch), Kurt Sievers (NXP Semiconductors Germany), Karl-Friedrich Stracke (MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik) and Prof. Siegfried Wolf (Continental Automotive).
electronica 2014
from 11 to 14 November 2014, Fair ground Munich (Germany)
Images: R. Eberhard, messekompakt.com, EBERHARD print & medien agentur gmbh
Source: Messe München