Sony is pushing further into the autonomous vehicle industry by developing sensors that they claim to use 70% less electricity. The reduction in power use will help extend the range of electric vehicles with autonomous capabilities. Sony expects to supply imaging sensors to 15 of the world’s top automakers by 2025.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions will be making the sensors and be paired with software startup, Tier IV. The companies aim to deliver Level 4 autonomous tech by 2030. Level 4 means the vehicle can drive itself with no requirements for human intervention.
Sony is hoping the reduction in electricity usage will come via edge computing. By processing as much data as possible through artificial intelligence-equipped sensors and software on the vehicles themselves the need to transmit to external networks will be reduced. This approach could make AVs safer as well by cutting communication lags.
With 50% of the global image sensor market, Sony is positioned well to make this technology a reality. They also have had commercialized success in edge computing for retailers and industrial equipment.
Sony is looking for ways to diversify its portfolio and view electric and autonomous vehicles (AV) as a primary market to help aid in this mission. Sony initially indicated its desire to get into the AV market in 2020 when it unveiled a prototype EV called the Vision-S and in during CES this year they revealed an SUV version, the VISION-S02. this year it launched a joint venture with Honda to make automobiles.
The Vexnova Take
Sony is another major corporation taking interested in the autonomous vehicle space. Time will tell if their prototype vehicles will become more than a concept. However, their sensors seem to be a natural fit for Sony to enter this market.
Sony’s desire to participate in the AV market is another indication of the potential impact autonomous vehicles will have on the global markets and infrastructure. It is our belief AV will become the next revolution of internet devices following first computers and then mobile phones. Given the interest of non-auto manufacturing corporations, it seems others are just as bullish on the potential of an autonomous vehicle ecosystem.