[CES 2024] Hyundai vows innovation in software, hydrogen for 'future generations'
[CES 2024] Hyundai
vows innovation in software, hydrogen for 'future generations'
By Moon Joon-hyun, The
Korea Herald from LAS VEGAS - Hyundai Motor Group on Monday unveiled a
centralized strategy for its software-defined vehicles and an expanded hydrogen
ecosystem during the CES 2024. "Our hydrogen
venture is for future generations. ... (Software-defined vehicles) can offer
enhanced safety,” said Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, who
attended the media conference held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las
Vegas on Monday Hyundai reinforced
its commitment to hydrogen energy by expanding its HTWO brand into a
comprehensive hydrogen value chain enterprise. HTWO, originally a hydrogen fuel
cell system launched in 2020, now integrates the full spectrum of Hyundai's
clean hydrogen operations, from production and storage to distribution and
application. Meanwhile, the term
"software-defined vehicle" refers to the group’s end-to-end software
strategy, infusing software development practices into all areas of automotive
development. The concept mirrors Tesla's approach to software updates, which
work to enhance self-driving capabilities. Other examples could include
improvements in fuel efficiency, safety features, or the suspension settings of
Hyundai vehicles through software, without having to alter the vehicle's
physical components. "SDVs are
essentially about updating and improving a car's features through software,
like getting a new phone update. We're not changing the car itself, just how it
performs," said Song Chang-hyun, head of Hyundai's SDV division. To enrich the
driving experience, Hyundai has plans to introduce an app ecosystem
specifically designed for its SDVs. This ecosystem will provide software
development kits to third-party developers, enabling the creation of bespoke
apps for Hyundai's vehicle environment. Additionally,
Hyundai is integrating a ChatGPT-like language model, developed by its
autonomous driving tech startup 42dot, into its AI assistant and navigation
systems to facilitate natural conversations, rather than following a fixed set
of commands. Broadening its
focus, Hyundai is also venturing into software-defined fleet solutions for
business clients. These solutions are geared towards offering tailored fleet
management services, enhanced by real-time data analytics and user-friendly
interfaces, Ultimately, Hyundai
envisions the concept of "Cloud Transportation," where software,
AI-driven devices, and mobility converge to create an accessible, seamless
transportation ecosystem. This concept could allow users to summon a
self-driving car via an app, with the vehicle arriving pre-configured with the
user’s preferences and optimal routes through integration into urban traffic
infrastructure. The car could be part of a city-wide system that coordinates
with traffic lights and other parts of infrastructure to optimize traffic flow. To support its new
software platform, Hyundai Motor Group has formed a partnership with
Tenstorrent, a specialist in neural processing units, to co-develop advanced
CPUs and AI co-processors. This collaboration is bolstered by a $100 million
joint investment with Samsung Electronics and gains added expertise from
Tenstorrent's CTO Jim Keller, renowned for his work on Tesla's Full
Self-Driving Chip 3.0. For the rebranded
HTWO hydrogen value chain, Kim Chang-hwan, the group's senior vice president
and head of hydrogen fuel cell and battery development, elaborated that its
integrated approach deviates from traditional models where vehicle
manufacturers focus solely on utilization, leaving other sectors to manage
energy production, storage and transport. Hyundai's strategy aims to create
synergy with its hydrogen expertise and its diverse industrial capabilities,
including automotive, steel, construction and more. Hyundai is leading
hydrogen initiatives internationally, such as local water-to-hydrogen projects
in Indonesia and participation in the NorCAL ZERO project in Northern
California, tasked with supporting the deployment of 30 Hyundai XCIENT Class 8
hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. "We're making
significant strides in green hydrogen production, especially with our PEM
electrolyzer tech. It's not just about being greener; it's also about doing it
cost-effectively, and that’s where we're really breaking new ground," said
Kim. Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240109000611
2024.01.10