Artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous driving: This is what the Chinese automaker is planning: Is BYD moving away from European brands?

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In China, names with flowers are part of the concept. “Xuanji” means “North Star”. Under this name, Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD is working on a technology move that aims to take infotainment and connectivity features one step further. Not everything may be as groundbreaking and unique as advertised, but the trend is clear. While VW Group is having difficulty bringing a smoothly working infotainment system to the vehicle using self-developed software and is forced to cooperate with Google, the Chinese are taking their IT destiny into their own hands.

In China, infotainment is more important than precise navigation or a smooth Bluetooth connection for the smartphone. Because here your own car is like another living room. Many employees spend their lunch breaks within their own four metal walls, rather than with their colleagues in the office. “The car should be a reliable partner, a friend,” says a BYD engineer. An intelligent cockpit should invite you to linger even when the vehicle is stationary.

Video games or karaoke

If desired, the vehicle can be turned into a video game console where the driver can play racing games. 16-inch monitors are big enough for this, and the steering wheel doubles as a gamepad. Since it is separated from the wheels, you can actually set foot on the virtual Nürburgring Nordschleife. BYD is based entirely on electronic steering control, i.e. steering by steering, without a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front axle. This technology is basically the same as the force feedback steering wheel used in a video game. A fancy sound system is already standard practice at BYD.

Karaoke should also be possible in the cockpit. Maybe too much fun for Europe, but it’s definitely a hit in Asia: There will soon be a drone on board that can be launched from the car, follow the car at speeds of up to 50 km/h, and take photos and videos if desired. before landing and recharging again. For this purpose, BYD is currently working with the famous drone manufacturer DJI.

But when it comes to autonomous driving, things get serious. BYD has long been involved in the robot vehicle race. The prototypes have not yet reached level 3, that is, autonomous driving, which does not require constant monitoring by the driver. They still take a maximum of 30 seconds on their own, but on a 20-kilometer test lap in Shenzhen, China, including the city highway, the autonomous Denza N7 puts up a good figure. The vehicle merges and avoids obstacles quite smoothly, with no sudden braking or jerky starting. The system also slows down precisely at red lights, similar to a human driver. When a motorcycle suddenly crosses the road, the autopilot reacts proactively and instantly releases the accelerator pedal.

Artificial intelligence as the key

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in BYD’s automotive future. “The car should work like the human brain,” explains one technician. The vehicles already have the necessary hardware and computing power. Instead of more than 100 decentralized controllers, one powerful computing unit combines all functions, where messages from all sensors come together. BYD is connecting to the satellite network as well as the 5G mobile network, which has become almost mandatory in China.

This technology push is also accompanied by new models such as the Bao 5 (Land Rover Defender-sized SUV), Mercedes EQG rival Yangwang U8 and hypercar Yangwang U9, but it is not yet clear if and when these will arrive in Europe. . With new Nordstern technology, it’s only a matter of time.

Source: Blick