The Sony Vision-S is one of the unexpected announcement at this year's CES. It is a concept car from Sony that shows the way its sensors and another tech can be transformed into various automotive applications. The concept electric vehicle is a rolling test-bench for Sony's efforts in electrification, safety, and entertainment. More importantly, the Sony Vision-S is like a shopping list that the company is hoping automakers and other suppliers will soon decide to purchase from.
A number of vehicles already have Sony sensors, but considering autonomous cars and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become commonplace, vehicles on the road are going to nee more of them. The Sony Vision-S has a total of 33 installed sensors that monitor both the outside and inside of the vehicle. Some of these sensors are for safety features, while some others will be in the vehicle's infotainment system.
The Sony Vision-S comes with a 360-degree Reality Audio that leverages on the closed cabin to surround vehicle passengers with sound. It also comes with a full-width display for the vehicle's dashboard and another panel in the center console. Additionally, there are two more touchscreens for the passengers located at the rear seat.
Sony is not 100 percent responsible for the development of Sony Vision-S. The company turned to other partners for help. The Sony Vision-S platform was co-developed by Magna, one of the heavyweights in the industry with Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, hinting that it could be used for other types of vehicles like an SUV. Sony does not say anything about the Vision-S' range or power, but last year, Magna said that it was working on a new electric motor design that cost half of the existing motors but with eight times more power density.
Aside from Magna, Sony also worked with other companies for the development of Sony Vision-S. It collaborated with BlackBerry QNX, which is most likely responsible for the software in the vehicle's dashboard. Additionally, it worked with Qualcomm, Bosch, HERE, NVIDIA, ZF, Benteler, Elektrobit, and Gentex Corporation.
A completely connected system is in the vehicle's infotainment and propulsion, which is always on for OTA updates and a lot more. While the company does not mention autonomous driving, but it is prudent to assume that the Sony Vision-S features adaptive cruise control and perhaps highway assistance using cameras to track attention. What is unlikely is for the company intending to enter the Sony Vision-S into production.
The auto industry is a totally different segment and is known as a very challenging industry to crack. The pillars of Sony's focus involves Adaptability, Entertainment, and Safety, which could nicely map out on its product areas across its portfolio. Getting into the electric vehicle industry could be a revenue stream as vehicles become geekier over the years.
