[Editorial] Automotive electronics trends defining IAA MOBILITY 2023

This September, Samsung Semiconductor will be joining the IAA MOBILITY 2023 event held in Munich, with some of the world’s biggest automotive vendors, suppliers, and technology brands. The conference, known for showcasing the latest advancements in the automotive industry, has become a platform for leading companies to present their innovations, discuss trends and drive the future of MOBILITY.

Ahead of this year’s show, I wanted to explore some of the biggest trends we’re expecting to see, and explore how the latest System LSI solutions will help shape the future of the automotive industry. While there will of course be talk about fully autonomous vehicles and truly future-gazing tech, to my mind, the most interesting trends in the show will be those impacting us over the next twelve months. With that in mind, here are three trends that will be defining this year’s show and increasingly impacting our lives in the present and not too distant future.

1.“Screenification” and in-transit experiences

The digitalization of vehicles is revolutionizing the way we interact with our cars, changing driving from something we ‘do’ to something we ‘experience’.

Perhaps the most evident example of this is the growing adoption of in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, designed to provide passengers with a seamless and immersive experience, integrating entertainment, and advanced features. These infotainment solutions mean more driver and passenger interaction, which ultimately means incorporating more advanced (and more numerous) displays.

At this year’s CES, we’ve already seen displays applied to steering wheels and even the curved ultrawide displays applied to automobiles. To meet the growing demands of advanced IVI systems, component technologies are having to evolve, with processors such as the Exynos Auto V being specially designed to support up to six display controllers and operating systems.

2. Sensor technology for safe driving

In recent years, the number of sensors throughout our vehicles has increased dramatically.

The ISOCELL Auto 4AC is the first ISOCELL image sensor optimized for automotive applications. This latest generation of image sensors mounts HD resolution with advanced high dynamic range and flicker mitigation, making them perfect not only for basic functions such as assisted parking, but also to reduce distractions in fast-changing lighting conditions — providing a safer driving experience.

But while most of us are aware of the role of sensors outside our cars, many drivers don’t realise that sensors are also all around them inside their vehicles. At this year’s show we’re expecting to see a much greater emphasis on internal safety sensors, used to not only monitor vehicles, but also drivers themselves.

By tracking physical activities such as blinking rates, internal sensors combined with AI algorithms detects when a person becomes tired, stepping in with a notification or safety alert if a driver becomes at risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Increasingly we should expect these types of sensor-based systems to become a mandatory safety feature of modern vehicles.

Sustainability, more than just EVs

As the world’s largest automotive show, it’s impossible to talk about IAA MOBILITY without addressing the huge focus on electric vehicles and the technology that drives them forward, from super batteries to smart charging stations.

But alongside the electric vehicles being showcased, IAA MOBILITY will also see a bigger conversation taking place about the role of sustainability across the entire automotive industry.

From a system level perspective, automobiles must now meet sustainability standards across the board. From a combination of consumer pressure, global regulation and CO₂ neutrality targets, every electronics device (down to the smallest component) must be produced sustainably and with a focus on reducing consumption and increasing efficiency. At this year’s show, I’ll be excited to share Samsung’s own advancements in this area, updating on our goal to make the most sustainable supply chains possible for the automotive industry.

It’s important to remember that behind all futuristic trends on display at this year’s IAA MOBILITY 2023, are hidden carefully crafted components. For all the invisible innovations taking place at the system level will help strengthen passenger safety and therefore protect the global environment.

To find out more about Samsung Semiconductor’s presence at IAA MOBILITY 2023, or to see our latest automotive innovations and applications visit
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/emea/insights/application/automotive/