Artificial intelligence is one of the buzzwords at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but it’s not the only one. During the annual exhibition of technologies intended for consumer applications, including automobiles, scheduled this year from January 7 to 10, discussions will also focus on the digitalization of services, an important subject for the automotive world. Among the companies that stand out in this area is ART, an Italian company that is participating in CES for the first time.
Founded in Umbria, ART has been working for several years on the development of digital tools and electronic platforms for high-end luxury and sports cars. However, his expertise is not limited to automobiles. At CES, ART will also present devices designed for two-wheeled vehicles and digital tools for creating simulated environments inspired by the world of video games. However, it is certainly the new Digital Cockpit demonstrator which will attract the most attention. It incorporates all the latest innovations and can be tested by register and book a personalized demonstration here.
Multiple screens, a unified architecture
The innovation behind the high-tech displays of ART’s Digital Cockpit lies in its new modular electronic architecture, which promises to simplify the design and development of electronic systems for the cars of the future. Until now, digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems (physically separated into two main screens in modern cars) relied on independent operating systems that could communicate but remained separate.
ART’s proposal is different: a unified system managed by a single electronic control unit (ECU), which controls entertainment, driver interfaces, etc. The next-generation e-Cockpit communicates with other in-vehicle systems and is designed for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This means that it can connect to other vehicles or intelligent infrastructure, supporting technologies based on the exchange of information between the car and the urban environment.
Photo by: ART
Photo by: ART
ART – Supplements at work
Photo by: ART
The advantages of the new e-Cockpit
Built according to a modular design, the system presented by the demonstrator characteristics high visibility TFT displays instead of the traditional LCD screen. It incorporates Black Diamond technology for optimal contrast and improved readability.
The unified electronic platform, which combines the areas of functional safety and entertainment into a single architecture, promises several advantages. Chief among these is a reduction in components, weight and complexity, which can help accelerate time to market—the period from design to commercial launch of new vehicles.
Superior performance is ensured through smooth exchange of information, ensuring full functionality of all control systems even in the event of infotainment malfunctions, thanks to the complete physical separation of hardware and software. Additionally, flexibility is improved, as the system is compatible with interfaces such as CAN, BroadR, MOST, USB and LINas well as connectivity platforms for external devices like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Photo by: ART
ART Ambience demonstrator
The e-Cockpit can also be updated via over-the-air (OTA) updates. The latest development supports additional screens for front and rear passengers, as well as head-up displays for the driver. Everything is customizable based on manufacturer-specific requirements, from display formats to graphics and functions.
These features also include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) active safety features, such as driver monitoring systems (DMS) and parking aids, for which ART has developed solutions integrated into the demonstrator.
Parking assistance, in particular, is available in three versions: one based on a rear camera, an intermediate version adding a front camera and a 3D surround system with four or more perimeter cameras, displaying the surrounding environment on onboard instruments.
For the entertainment of passengers, ART has developed the Occupant monitoring system (OMS), a system that detects the presence of passengers and can read and interpret gestures, movements and postures, creating a personalized experience through on-board systems.
Photo by: ART
ART Dimostrator – room simulation
New software solutions
The new digital platform uses the 3D HMI ecosystem to create an immersive and engaging experience using rapid prototyping, enabled by the SDK and V-Cockpit Tool. The latter is a tool that allows developers to design their own graphical interface easily and quickly. Using virtual reality headsets, advanced simulations of system operation and interaction between the cockpit and on-board systems can also be performed.