Experience Unseen Horizons: Continental’s CES Debut Revolutionizes Motorcycle Riding
Next month, Continental developers from Singapore are set to unveil an innovative system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that will give motorcyclists a clear view around corners.
Their new eHorizon system for two-wheelers connects riders and creates a shared information platform for motorcycling communities. It’s all about shared route knowledge. Continental has harnessed the power of swarm intelligence to keep their digital maps constantly updated with accurate information.
Ralf Lenninger, who leads Continental’s intelligent transportation systems unit, explains that all the data collected is stored in the cloud and available to all riders. This means that eHorizon can alert bikers in advance about obstacles like roadworks, accidents, spills, or traffic jams – enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
The system includes a digital instrument cluster beyond the typical speed and engine displays. It also has an information panel for traffic, weather alerts, and notifications like incoming calls or music, arranged based on user preferences.
To keep maps updated, bikers can press a button on their instrument cluster to record their position and later add specific details about incidents. This data is then shared in the cloud for all users. Continental also developed a complementary smartphone app with Bluetooth, allowing navigation, call notifications, and smartphone status to be shown on the instrument cluster.
The app includes a Bikefinder function to locate bikes in crowded parking areas using Bluetooth and RF technology. An integrated immobilizer can be deactivated, and the engine started via a Bluetooth smart key through the app. If an accident occurs, the system can automatically send an emergency message to a predefined contact, using the smartphone connection.
To keep the smartphone from draining its battery, the system includes a USB charging capability. The app also allows riders to create and join communities, sharing trip data and other info with fellow motorcyclists on a dedicated web page.
This system isn’t restricted to high-end bikes; even smaller motorcycles can be connected. The design and features can be tailored to different manufacturers’ needs.
Continental will showcase the eHorizon system for two-wheelers from January 5th to 8th, 2017, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
