Digital Cockpit Drives the Future of Connected Cars

Samsung and HARMAN unveiled a new concept in connected car technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018. This first automotive electronics collaboration between the two companies has resulted in the Digital Cockpit platform, which combines 5G technology and an IoT platform to provide an intelligent and seamless connected car experience.

Consumers’ needs have changed greatly when it comes to automotive technology. While both drivers and passengers have always needed ease of use, personalization and safety, more than ever, they need their devices to be able to connect to each other and to offer simpler controls. The Digital Cockpit meets these needs and more by providing infotainment and IoT services across a suite of OLED and QLED screens.

The Digital Cockpit consists of three displays and three knobs that can all be customized according to driver and passenger tastes.

The Cluster Display in front of the driver uses a 12.3-inch OLED and provides driving information such as speed and RPM. Infotainment is handled by a 28-inch QLED Central Information Display (CID) and Passenger Display, using the integrated solutions for multiple displays running on a single chip. Below these displays is the Control Display, a 12.4-inch curved OLED that enables control of other features such as air conditioning.

The Digital Cockpit’s three knobs have a circular display akin to Samsung’s Gear S watch, so users can directly and intuitively use them. The customizable knobs can be set to functions most frequently used by the driver, such as clock, temperature, volume and Bixby.

The Cluster Display (left) for information and the Center Information Display/Passenger Display (right) for infotainment

The Digital Cockpit really sets itself apart in the way users can interact with it. For instance, the system includes a gesture sensor in the back seat so that passengers can use motions to control music or the radio. It also uses Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant, which offers automotive-optimized control functions such as moving the QLED display or changing the colors of ambient lighting. But it isn’t just the in-car settings you can control with the Digital Cockpit. It also uses Bixby and SmartThings to control a number of IoT devices not even in the car. So you can check the inside of your fridge to see if you have enough milk before you get home, for example, or can start up your washing machine or vacuum cleaner from within your vehicle.

Turn on your vehicle’s air conditioner using only your voice with Bixby.

Additional features ensure that driving is safer than ever. The Mirror Replacement Vision System provides a front/back HD camera and display system instead of physical side and rear-view mirrors. It gives three-split-view for key moments such as changing lanes or parking. It can even detect moving objects and sound an alarm if things get too close.

The Mirror Replacement Vision System replaced with side- and rear-view mirrors

All this is on display at the Samsung and HARMAN booth at CES. Since Samsung acquired HARMAN last year, the two companies have focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets. Leveraging Samsung’s mobile and IT technology as well as HARMAN’s automotive expertise to create a unique platform, the Digital Cockpit has set the industry standard for integrated and advanced display technology.

The future will see the car becoming a mobile living space. It will literally become a home away from home. This will require new levels of comfort and also added safety and connectivity to all aspects of life. The Digital Cockpit showcases this level of connectivity, and also paves the way for further innovations in the future. Based on Samsung’s technology and state-of-the-art IoT platform, the company continues to lead the way into the era of the autonomous car.