Η Sony Honda Mobility presents the AFEELA prototype and we had the opportunity to admire it in person in Los Angeles.
Sony's new electric car brand, officially called AFEELA, was first unveiled as "VISION-S" at CES 2020 and is expected to be launched in 2026. Η Sony worked with the Honda to launch the car under the name Sony Honda Mobility (SHM).
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At AFEELA at Westfield Topanga in Los Angeles, technological features such as a customizable front "media bar" and automatic doors with facial recognition were unveiled. The cockpit included a yoke steering wheel and a clean instrument panel. A car demo was shown, but it was more representative of the Technology rather than the vehicle itself. The details and specifications of the AFEELA remain unclear, with its full unveiling expected in the next two years.
AFEELA offers an immersive experience inside the car, with a large wraparound screen providing important instruments in front of the driver, a wide screen for navigation or entertainment in the centre and a screen for rear passengers. Many applications can be displayed on the screen and scrolled between the center screen and the passenger side, while advanced Software Sony seems to be leading the way in the automotive experience.
The car also features digital side mirrors and a hybrid optical/digital rearview mirror. While the technology offers flexibility and advanced Possibilities, heat management seems to require further attention.
In terms of driving experience, the rear seat provides comfort and flexibility, while AFEELA aims to autonomy level 2+ or 3 in safety and driver support, highlighting its progressive approach to automotive technology.
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Sony and Honda are teaming up to create a Level 3 car, which will use machine learning for autonomous driving. The AFEELA, incorporating multiple sensor technologies, including LiDAR, is planned to be launched in 2026. Despite the announcements, there are many decisions to be made and the company faces challenges.
However, the cooperation between the two companies with expertise in the technology and automotive sectors is expected to lead to success.
Source: electrek
