Analyst commentary on issues, trends, and developments in the automotive telematics, navigation, and infotainment markets.

General Motors and Carnegie Mellon University today announced a renewal of their joint efforts to push forward the development of autonomous driving (click here for the press release). With considerable proven success already in the last two DARPA Challenges, this has been a good relationship for GM over the last 8 years, delivering both experience with the latest technology and some very good public relations coverage. CMU has welcomed the technical and financial support from such a visible partner (and others) to enhance its reputation in the robotics world.

Autonomous driving requires the blending of many inputs, analysis of the data, and control of multiple outputs to deliver a safe self-driving machine. What we as experienced drivers consider to be a routine activity requires a lot of expensive equipment to replicate in a test vehicle. The system needs multiple inputs from cameras and radar and/or lidar obstacle detection systems to avoid hitting roadside objects or other vehicles, and to stay in lane. The telematics portion currently monitors progress along the designated route and notifies the central control device when changes in direction need to be made.

However in the long term it is probable that telematics will assume a lot of the responsibility of tracking adjacent and opposing vehicles. If the early promise of DSRC (dedicated short range communication) is realized, and all vehicles are equipped to communicate with each other and the infrastructure, then eventually we will reach the point where all vehicles will be aware of all others in the vicinity, and, more importantly, know the speed and direction of travel of each one. The infrastructure monitors will also be instantly aware of any traffic flow or dangerous surface conditions. This availability of comprehensive data is expected to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow and thus save time and money.

Once the critical mass of vehicles on the road are hooked up into the telematics infrastructure it will be possible for OEMs to deliver autonomous driving vehicles with fewer external sensors and onboard processors, which will help to keep costs down. While this is not something to expect in production in the near future, it is important investments now that pave the way for a future of individual mass transportation.

Recognizing Growth in Commercial Telematics Markets
Author: David Alexander
Principal Analyst, Commercial Telematics
Posted: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Why Google Maps Still Doesn’t Allow Turn-by-turn Voice Guidance
Author: Dominique Bonte
Research Director, Telematics and Navigation
Posted: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:26:48 EDT

Commercial Telematics Providers are Under-Appreciated by the Stock Markets
Author: David Alexander
Principal Analyst, Commercial Telematics
Posted: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:33:55 EDT

The New iPhone and LBS: a Perfect Match?
Author: Dominique Bonte
Research Director, Telematics and Navigation
Posted: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:08:09 EDT

Telematics Detroit 2008
Author: Dominique Bonte
Research Director, Telematics and Navigation
Posted: Tue, 27 May 2008 07:41:52 EDT