Continental offers Assisted and Automated Solutions for the Mobility

Continental Automotive offers technologies for passive safety, brake, chassis, motion, and motion-control systems. Its portfolio includes innovative solutions for assisted and automated driving, display and operating technologies, audio and camera solutions for the vehicle interior as well as intelligent information and communication technology associated with the mobility services of fleet operators and commercial vehicle manufacturers. During an interaction with Niloy, Sudeepth Puthumana, Head of Segments ADAS, Continental Automotive India discussed how Continental is driving forward the increasing degree of vehicle automation with safe, supportive and complementary full-stack system solutions.

Q. Kindly talk about Continental and its latest products.

Ans. Continental is a technology company and is divided into three major group sectors namely, Automotive, Tires and ContiTech. The company was founded in 1871 and began its journey in providing some of the most advanced mobility solutions for people and their goods.

Within Automotive, we cover solutions ranging from classical brakes to advanced technologies such as ADAS, display systems and high-performance computers (HPC) among others. Tires is our legacy business and Continental has a strong portfolio covering passenger cars, 2-wheelers, bicycles, commercial vehicles, and special applications. Whereas ContiTech is group which has a diverse business catering to industrial rubber solutions which typically includes conveyer belts, rubber mounts, timing belts and vehicle surface solutions, etc. In India, we have business representation in all these group sectors and our location is spread across prime automotive hubs of the country.

Some of our latest products:

• Smart Cockpit HPC: It is a new addition to Continental’s extensive HPC portfolio. It is a preconfigured system combining the instrument cluster, infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems. At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental along with a tech-industry partner showed, using a demonstration vehicle (hall B2/booth A12), how the Smart Cockpit HPC can make the mobility of the future a reality at minimum cost and within a short development time.
• virtual Electronic Control Unit (vECU) Creator: It is based on Continental Automotive Edge (CAEdge), a platform for hardware and software development launched by Continental and Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2021. Automotive software developers are already able to use the vECU Creator to decouple hardware and software decision-making, while the virtual simulation of digital functions enables engineers to quickly and continuously improve microcontroller-based ECUs, zone controllers and high-performance computers. Thanks to vECUs, software applications can be 90% programmed before they are deployed on the target hardware, greatly increasing the efficiency of product launches. The new vECU Creator thus marks the next step in automotive system development.
• Partnership with Ambarella: In partnership with US semiconductor specialist Ambarella, we are developing integrated full-stack systems for assisted and automated driving. These scalable multisensor systems operate using AI and a particularly powerful, energy-efficient chip system from Ambarella, as well as high-resolution cameras, radar and lidar sensors and associated control units from Continental. At the trade show, we provided insights into how the system solutions interact and make mobility more autonomous and safer.
• Greater Protection for Vulnerable Road Users: At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental presented a compact, easy-to-integrate system solution for dynamic near-field projections based on micro-LED technology. This system will be able to signal when a vehicle is changing direction, for example, by projecting dynamic warnings or vehicle dimensions in the vehicle’s immediate surroundings with micro-LEDs.
• Safe and Sustainable Brake System: At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental presented its roadmap for future brake systems that increase safety and sustainability in equal measure. Semi-dry brake system uses “dry” electromechanical brakes on the rear axle that do not require brake fluid. Therefore, there is no need to fill and bleed the brake system during production. It reduces the amount of hazardous old brake fluid that has to disposed of properly after every change by many millions of litres.
• SPACE D Design Concept: At the exhibition in Munich, Continental offered a glimpse into the interior space of autonomous mobility with its SPACE D design concept. The “D” in the name “SPACE D” stands for the high design standards of this visionary concept.
• UltraContact NXT Tires: Continental first unveiled the most sustainable production tire in the industry at its TechShow this summer. Comprising up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and mass balance-certified materials, the UltraContact NXT combines a high share of sustainable materials with maximum safety. Production of the tire started in July, and all 19 sizes are now available to buy. The tires have the highest possible rating (“A”) of the EU tire label in the categories of rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise.

Q. Kindly elaborate on the role of AI in ADAS.

Ans. AI is a key component in the advancement of autonomous driving. When it comes to processing the huge volumes of data that AI systems require, vehicle connectivity via short-range radio signals or the mobile telecommunications network has an essential part to play. AI allows systems to ‘understand’ complex traffic scenarios much better and decide on an appropriate course of action. At present, however, this remains just a vision for the future – because the current mobile telecommunications standards 4G/LTE and LTE Advanced simply aren’t fast enough.

In the development of automated driving, machine learning is becoming more and more important. With the help of artificial neural networks, a computer is able to recognize underlying patterns, to incorporate contextual information, and thus to develop an intelligent algorithm. This means that through the so-called deep learning, neural networks can be generated and trained using real experiences and examples. After completion of this learning phase, the neural networks are able to recognize patterns of enormous amounts of data and variations and interpret them independently.

Continental also employs AI in its product development. In 2020, the company produced, for the first time ever, neural networks on a larger scale with its fifth generation cameras for faster object recognition.

Only human beings have before been able to master extremely complex traffic situations and understand their surroundings. Due to the increased use of neural networks, sensor technology and with the required computational power, vehicles will – in the foreseeable future – too be able to independently capture (Sense) and interpret their surroundings (Plan), and hence react accordingly (Act).

At CES 2023, Continental and Ambarella, Inc., an edge AI semiconductor company, announced a strategic partnership. The two companies will jointly develop scalable, end-to-end hardware and software solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI), for assisted and automated driving (AD), on the way to autonomous mobility. The strategic collaboration builds on Continental’s announcement in November to integrate Ambarella’s energy-efficient System-on-Chip (SoC) family into its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Compared to other domain controller SoCs, Ambarella’s “CV3-AD” chip family provides higher performance to process sensor data faster and more comprehensively for greater environmental perception and safer mobility, at up to five times higher power efficiency. To serve the growing market for assisted and automated driving, while paving the way for autonomous mobility, the partners aim to have these joint solutions ready for global series production in 2026.

Continental also set up a joint venture with Horizon Robotics, a leading provider of edge computing platforms for artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to integrate algorithms from Horizon Robotics into smart camera systems and control units from Continental. And last but not least, embedded software solutions for a wide range of driving functions are being developed at Elektrobit, a Continental subsidiary. With its agile partner ecosystem, Continental is able to bring innovations into series production and onto the road even faster.

In addition, Continental opened its first ever AI Lab in Berlin this year in February. Keeping the changing landscape of Automotive Industry our AI experts is working together on technologies such as Computer Vision (machine vision), Hybrid AI (combination of machine learning with conventional software programs) or Automated Data Labelling (marking objects in images, for example, as a prerequisite for machine learning) and develop corresponding applications around autonomous driving and robotics.

Continental’s investment in Apex.AI is another example of how targeted investments and partnerships enable significant technology leaps towards sustainable mobility of tomorrow. Apex.AI and Continental’s innovative software platform is an important element in the technology company’s partnership portfolio to support customers, partners, and Continental’s IT specialists in the development and implementation of new software solutions – and not least to enable the integration of the vehicle into the Internet of Things (IoT).

Q. How will ADAS enhance Safety and Convenience in the automotive industry? Throw some light on opportunities & challenges faced by ADAS in India.

Ans. Earlier, vehicles were considered just as a mode of transportation to travel from one point to another but with people spending more time in their vehicles, they have become much more. People now expect their vehicles to provide them convenience and comfort with the latest safety technologies and features. With greater awareness, demand for advanced technologies like ADAS has increased in emerging markets like India. ADAS technology has been gaining prominence not just globally but also in developing economies. Penetration of ADAS technologies in the vehicle enhances the safety quotient of the driver, passenger & vehicle. ADAS technologies make it possible for vehicles to scan the environment that the vehicle is operating in, and either inform the driver of the objects/obstacles or the system to take corrective measures for an incident-free drive. There is increasing awareness among consumers about the ADAS safety features and OEMs are looking to integrate ADAS technologies into vehicles across segments.

As you know, quite a large number of OEMs have launched models with up to Level 2 of ADAS in India. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection etc. are available in several car models.

We are also driving this market with our solutions such as the intelligent rear-view camera for enabling functions like rear cross-traffic alert and automated parking. We also have an array of features under the Advanced Rider Assist Systems suite for 2-Wheelers.

A major growth driver is the growing awareness among the end customers on these technologies. Today the car is not just for commute taking us from one place to another – car is an IOT device on wheels. With growing affinity towards technology that improves safety, convenience and driving experience, these technologies will continue to find a place in our cars.

At the same time more affordable and cost-effective ADAS solutions for the Indian market will certainly drive the inclusion of these technologies in mass segments. For instance, for Continental at our India Technical Center, we have a very strong team with talented engineers who are contributing to building of solutions not just for global markets such as Japan, Europe, America and China. They also working on finding optimal solutions for the India market. We have the capability to serve the domestic market in India.

We believe features like blind spot recognition, rear cross-traffic, and lane keep assist, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking etc will be standard technologies on new vehicles from major OEMs.

We will need incredible transformation in the road and transport infrastructure. Some of those include –

Well-marked roads: Our roads are not entirely mapped and cannot be navigated easily yet. Consumer awareness must be created on multiple fronts.

Standardization of road signs across the country: Varied road signs across different regions make it difficult for the system to identify and take necessary actions.

Better town planning: The infrastructure and ecosystem need to scale up for ADAS technologies to be deployed. The infrastructure must be stable and should be able to bear the load of these vehicles and support smooth operations of the vehicles.

GPS accessibility and advanced wireless connectivity: ADAS systems require basic infrastructures such as well-organized roads, lane marking, and the availability of GPS for effective functioning. To address the challenge, Continental is working on Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) communication. C-V2X allows communication via the LTE network using the 3GPP Release 14, and in the future, the 5G mobile network. Cellular V2X is also designed to directly connect vehicles with each other as well as with the infrastructure and further road users. Even in areas without mobile network coverage, C-V2X communication allows an exchange of time-sensitive and safety-critical information, for example about warnings of potentially hazardous situations.

There is also a need to bring down the technology cost for Indian OEMs. The average Indian customer is value-conscious, and we need to ensure that the technology is not beyond the reach of the majority due to costs.

Thus, development of road infrastructure is important to benefit all safety features while more innovation is needed to implement safety features in current scenario.

Q. What are your views about emerging markets and affordable ADAS solutions?

Ans. The adaption of Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) solutions will gain prominence in emerging markets as it will compliment safe mobility vision which is integral to most of these countries. Another interesting aspect is, India being the largest 2-wheeler market, penetration of Advanced Rider Assistant Systems (ARAS) technologies will rise in the mid-premium segment.

We already touched upon ADAS technologies which are getting popular in cars in India, e.g. features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection etc. More affordable and cost-effective ADAS solutions for the Indian market will certainly drive the uptake and this is why localization of R&D and manufacturing becomes crucial.

At Continental, we have developed affordable ADAS solutions including Radar Tech and Rear/Surround View Systems, especially for emerging markets like India. The affordable and reliable radar sensors can be fitted in front or rear of the car depending on the usage and functionality, it provides safety as well as comfort. This radar sensor is specifically designed to suit Indian road conditions through a detailed study of the traffic patterns, available infrastructural facilities, and limitations the Indian roads pose. The product complies with the European NCAP1, NCAP2, NHTSA, and IIHS safety standards, covering criteria ranging backwards/reverse driving, precision braking against pedestrians with a capability to avoid 95 percent of reverse crashes (involving pedestrians).

Q. How would you explain Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) for Intelligent Transportation Based on the Recognition of Traffic Cones?

Ans. Cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), radars, and advanced image processing algorithms form the base in scanning the environment. The system can distinguish cones from other objects, accurately assess their position, and interpret their meaning based on contextual information such as road signs and traffic flow.

Q. How was the year 2022 in terms of business and what are your future marketing strategies?

Ans. In 2022, Continental India experienced positive growth and made significant investments in the country. Some of which are:

• 2008 – 17 the company has invested close to 260 million Euro
• In 2018 the company announced an investment of high 2-digit million Euro by 2020
• A series of expansions of plants, additional lines for manufacturing over the years
• Ground-breaking for Greenfield plant in Pune in 2018 which is ready for production – about INR 200 crore
• Recently Continental India signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka to increase its R&D footprint in the state. Planned investment to the tune of around INR 1000 Crore by way of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• In 2022, globally we spent around €2.9 billion on R&D as a whole, India is part of this overall R&D spend

In terms of way forward, the ADAS market is warming up in India and we are bullish about its growth. We are working closely with the Indian OEMs, catering to their specific needs and tailoring solutions specific to the Indian market requirements. With our strong R&D competence, we are confident of adding value to the overall market growth.

Additional Information:

Q) What role does Continental play in the software-defined vehicle business?

• First and foremost, suppliers and manufacturers play the leading role here. At Continental, we see ourselves as a supplier of electronic systems and software, but in the future, we will increasingly be an integrator that serves the interaction of the software in the vehicle with our platforms for high-performance computers and thus meets the requirements of today’s market.
• Our core business has long been a combination of electronics, software and sensors, and it will remain so in the future.
• In our product portfolio, there is already almost no solution without a software component anymore.

Q) As we move from Level 2 to Level 3 in autonomous mobility, do you have a projection for the future? When do you think Level 4 and Level 5 will be ready?

Global perspective on where the industry and regulators stand:

• In the coming years, autonomous vehicles will fundamentally change the industry’s understanding of mobility. Thanks to camera, lidar, radar and control units, modern cars already capture their surroundings much more accurately than human drivers, paving the way to highly automated driving.
• The market for automated and assisted driving will continue to grow significantly in the coming years.
• In the years 2018 to 2020 alone, Continental has received orders in this area worth more than 9 billion euros from automobile manufacturers worldwide. We intend to significantly increase this level, because the value of Continental’s potential scope of delivery will grow many times in the coming years with a rising degree of automation. This would create the basis for a medium-term multiplication of sales in the area of autonomous mobility.
• Safety regulations: The global safety regulations intensify with every year which results in a growing need for ADAS in vehicles (NCAP, NHTSA).
• We offer assisted and automated solutions for the mobility of tomorrow that help you, when needed. Anywhere at any time.

Why Continental is ready for the future: 

• Heritage/Full-Stack systems portfolio: With more than 25 years of systems knowledge and in-depth integration expertise in the field of assisted and automated driving, we offer new products from components to complete full-stack system solutions at vehicle level, tailored to individual customer needs. Until now, we have brought more than 200 million sensors and control units for assisted and automated driving for the autonomous mobility of tomorrow on the road.
• Safety approach: Continental is convinced that even in assisted driving, the combination of different sensor technologies provides significant added value for safety, comfort, and functional availability on the road. The vision of safe autonomous mobility can only be realized if the entire vehicle environment is captured redundantly.
• We are fit for the future: We have set up our structures in the Autonomous Mobility Business Area to drive research, development, and industrialization of the technologies for assisted and autonomous driving.

Further key messages:

• Continental is already driving forward the increasing degree of vehicle automation with safe, supportive and complementary full-stack system solutions and respective functionalities for assisted and automated driving and hence, the autonomous mobility of the future.
• With 25 years of experience, we understand the complete SensePlanAct chain of effects and deliver a comprehensive portfolio of different AD system technologies for convenient, affordable and safe mobility anywhere at any time.

Strategic partnership with Ambarella:

• In addition to the development of camera-based perception solutions for ADAS, Continental and Ambarella are focusing on scalable full-stack systems for Level 2+ up to highly automated vehicles.
• These full-stack solutions take a multi-sensor approach, including Continental’s high-resolution cameras, radars and lidars, as well as the associated control units and the required software.
• Vehicle manufacturers will be able to flexibly integrate the joint system solutions into their latest vehicle generations. So, these scalable end-to-end hardware and software solutions based on artificial intelligence will accelerate global development of next generation systems. The partners aim to have these joint solutions ready for global series production in 2026.