BMW at CES 2016: cameras, cloud, and smart mirrors

BMW brings a wide variety of smart technologies and expansions to smart vehicles to the Consumer Electronics Show 2016. This includes their future mobility solution "Light and Charge", BMW i8 Mirrorless / BMW i3 Extended Rearview Mirror, BMW ConnectedRide, and BMW Connected. Also appearing at the show were a number of new Control Concepts from BMW, new Internet of Things services, and the networked cockpit – the BMW i Vision Future concept. All are included in BMW's vision for a much smarter – and safer – automotive experience.

BMW's Internet of Things grows with the intelligent Open Mobility Cloud, connecting such systems as BMW i3 and Smart Home devices – like your phone or your smart watch. To grow their own Internet of Things, BMW has devices like the Mobility Mirror to act as display medium and mirror at the same time, connecting to the cloud as it does so.

The BMW i3 Extended Rearview Mirror includes precise images from a camera positioned on the roof of the vehicle, allowing a "significantly extended field of view."

Systems like Gesture Control Parking, Remote 3D View, and Bumper Detect are also all enabled by the Open Mobility Cloud. Gesture control was also enabled in the new BMW 7 Series for controlling info, communications functions, and entertainment.

BMW i8 Mirrorless is a system which does away with the rearview mirror altogether, replacing it with three cameras which cover larger viewing angles and are said to eliminate dangerous blind spots.

BMW Connected is a prototype personalized digital assistant – a bit of software for multiple devices – apps and programs. This system works with the Open Mobility Cloud, allowing the user to connect at home or outside the home, in the user's vehicle, or on public transport.

This system employs machine learning and data analysis to grow more personal as the user continues to use it.

These connected concepts can be found in a concept car that encapsulates BMW i Vision Future Interaction.

Inside, BMW has placed high-resolution displays, function controls, and both touch and voice controls. Displays include a heads-up display, instrument cluster with 3D display, and a massive 21-inch panorama display.

BMW's vision for smart vehicles includes motorcycles, too.

BMW's Connected Ride included a motorcycle laser light in their BMW K1600 GTL concept vehicle, impressive in its own right. This light had a range of 600 meters, while its rider's heads-up display helmet projected traffic and vehicle information right up front and center (or to the side, as it were, so the vision of the rider is not impaired in any way).




We'll be getting up close and personal with the lot of these technologies sooner than later – stay tuned to our Cars Hub for more!