CES had few vehicle launches this year, but that hasn’t stopped several companies from using the event to showcase new automotive technologies.
This time, we are looking at interior technology, but not the sets of digital instruments and infotainment systems that you are used to seeing. Instead, let’s look at some more mundane features that have been reimagined for the future.
The starting point is the GHSP double cell rotary controller, which combines a rotary displacer with an infotainment controller. It was designed to be intuitive, minimalist and powerful, as it will allow drivers to “control the entire car with a multifunctional controller”.
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As you can see in the promotional video, the controller is on the center console and a second level increases when the vehicle is started. The top layer acts as a rotary displacer, while the bottom layer is an infotainment controller with a pressure ring that can be used to make selections.
The features don’t stop there, as the top layer has a fingerprint reader that effectively connects you to the car. Once a user is recognized, their preferences are loaded and this can include everything from their favorite radio stations to mirror and seat configurations.
Although the stacked configuration looks a bit confusing, each layer has a different external texture that makes them easy to distinguish from one another, even without looking. Controls are also adjustable, as drivers can change their feel and sensitivity.
Panasonic Moving Coil Wireless Charger
Wireless charging technology is becoming more common and even Apple’s basic iPhone SE supports it. As a result, automakers are introducing wireless chargers in an increasing number of vehicles.
Although wireless chargers are nothing new, Panasonic Automotive has come up with an interesting mobile coil variant. It allows you to throw your smartphone in the tray as your charging coil moves to find the “ideal position to align with the mobile device’s charging coil”.
As soon as the coils are aligned, the smartphone starts charging up to 15 watts. The company notes that this is “one of the highest rates in the industry for a wireless charging system” and that means your phone must have enough power when you reach your destination.