Toyota Motor Corp. is on course to offer car enthusiasts enhanced connectivity in their vehicles. The carmaker is working on a flat-panel antenna technology for its cars that will give users improved data access and aid in delivering faster speeds.
It is in partnership with Kymeta, a company which manufactures flat-panel antennas, which Toyota is working to add on its vehicles. On Tuesday, the company divulged that it will show off a prototype at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) which will be held in Detroit.
If the flat-panel satellite technology arrives on future vehicles, it would herald a new era for communication systems in vehicles.
"For several years, Toyota met with emerging companies around the world to investigate new technologies. We were very excited to learn about Kymeta, because their flat antennae technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite communications," says Shigeki Tomoyama, the Japanese company's senior managing officer."
Just showed Mirai-based research vehicle w/ satellite tech from @KymetaCorp More: https://t.co/EupvcpRubp #NAIAS pic.twitter.com/rg9jsGuQFU
— Toyota USA (@Toyota) January 12, 2016
This research vehicle, which is based on Toyota's Mirai fuel-cell, imbibes Kymeta's satellite communications technology. The use of this technology has several benefits as satellites are capable of distributing a huge amount of data, have a greater coverage area and offer stable connections.
While conventional satellites need the presence of a dish antenna on land, Kymeta's antennas do not. They do not need mechanical components and instead, the company deploys liquid crystal and software technologies to "electronically track and steer towards satellites."
The antenna is not obtrusive or heavy. It is flat and quite lightweight which makes it easy for it to be added to a car even after the vehicle's assembly. Since it can be added to existing vehicles, it does not interfere with the car's design.
Kymeta and Toyota have been working on the flat-panel antenna technology since the past three years. While the technology has been tested since 2013, it is only now that Toyota has begun exploring the possibility of using the satellite technology for its vehicles.
Venture capital firm Mirai Creation Investment – where Toyota is also a partner – pumped in $5 million into Kymeta as part of the deal.
Toyota is optimistic that the global auto industry will be able to profit from the new satellite communications-based flat-panel antenna technology in the long term.
The technology will not only aid in the distribution of massive data seamlessly, but also fuel the growth of connected vehicles worldwide which have a secure and stable communication at their disposal.
