Autonomous driving technology on display

Automated driving technologies are being showcased at the expo to capitalize on expected growth in China.

Consulting firm McKinsey & Company predicts that China will have about 8 million autonomous passenger cars by 2030, with sales forecast to reach US$230 billion.

German auto parts supplier ZF Group is displaying a central control unit for autonomous cars. The Pro AI unit acts as the car's “brain,” of enabling it to “understand” its surroundings by learn to process and interpret data from sensors and cameras. 

The company said Pro AI can be used in both cars and trucks and it is in discussions with clients about future applications. 

It is also supplying sensors, radar and vehicle motion control solutions.

ZF Group will also to strengthen collaboration with Kinglong Group, a leading bus manufacturer based in Fujian Province.

French auto-parts maker Faurecia is showcasing its smart seats  developed for autonomous vehicles.

Faurecia employs sensors in the seat and cameras in the instrument panel to analyze the occupant’s biometrics. It will trigger the appropriate response if the driver becomes drowsy or stressed.

In addition, it can learn the driver’s behavior and preferences, allowing it to predict and anticipate optimal safety and comfort based on the individual’s physical condition, the time of day, road conditions and if the vehicle is in autonomous or semi-autonomous mode.

“Autonomous driving vehicles, electrification as well as intelligent and connected vehicle related technologies are important in the automotive industry revolution," said François Tardif, president of Faurecia China.

"We aim to redefine the interior of the car and provide a complete solution in the future. We have exhibited many of the latest technologies at the Expo, which are the result of innovation in the Chinese markets.”

German auto-parts company Bosch has brought its electromechanical brake booster.

The iBooster can be used with all powertrain configurations including hybrid and electric vehicles.

The company said it was constantly developing to keep up with the three major trends in the auto industry — connectivity, automation and electrification.