TYRES: Continental shows off new car technologies at CES

The Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest exhibition of latest gizmos and gadgets, is nirvana for tech-heads around the world. Virtual reality headsets, ultra high definition televisions, miniature computers, even Audi’s Laserlight concept, anything with a microchip can be found at CES.

All the big smart technology companies are there, Sony is talking about their new PlayStation streaming service, LG are showcasing their massive 105-inch LED television and Continental are talking about... tyres. Yes, you read that right. Continental is at CES 2014, a cutting edge tech convention, talking about car tyres. Just... hear us out.

CES may be the last place you expect to see Continental, but the tyre company has used the convention to showcase their roadmap for the future of its tyre technology.

Working closely with IBM, Continental has unveiled new technologies dubbed “Connected Electronic Horizon” and “Smart Speech,” as well as new smart sensors to connect vehicles to smart phones, allowing apps to open and close car doors, control massaging seats and even integrate into vehicle displays.

“Not only are drivers demanding a more digital lifestyle, connecting the vehicle is opening up a vast field of opportunities for services to make driving safer, more efficient and more comfortable,” said Helmut Matschi, head of Continental’s Interior Division.

“Together with IBM we can now demonstrate new possibilities for the fully connected vehicle,” Matschi elaborated.

But what will these new technologies actually do?

“Connected Electronic Horizon” technology actually uses map data to anticipate the road ahead and can even send and receive information from vehicle to vehicle. This will allow drivers to get real-time data from the other vehicles on the road, allowing them to predict the road conditions ahead and adjust their driving strategies accordingly.

Continental believes this technology, the ability for vehicles to communicate autonomously with one another, will be pivotal in paving the way for more advanced automated self-driving technologies.

Continental’s “Smart Speech” technology is also on display at CES, integrating IBM’s interactive dialogue into vehicles to form a sort of artificial intelligence, allowing the driver to communicate seamlessly with their vehicle. This will allow vehicles to give personalised advice to certain drivers on driving behaviour and style.

Finally, Continental showed off their “ContiSeal” and “ContiSilent” tyre technologies. “ContiSeal” is a special viscous layer incorporated into the tyre that can instantly seal punctures. Not quite the reinflating tyres found on Speed Racer’s Mach 5, but it is one step closer.

“ContiSilent,” on the other hand, is a special layer of foam used to dampen road noise and increase occupant comfort.

Continental is making huge strides in automotive technologies, and with the help of IBM, it doesn’t look like they are so out of place at this year’s CES after all.

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