Werbung
Werbung

IAA Mobility 2023: Valeo goes Software

Controlling a BMW iX in the BMW World from the IAA booth? Valeo makes it possible! While driving is concentrated at the booth, there is no one in the car on-site. But that's not all; the French company also has a cornucopia of innovations with them again.

Full rows: Valeo CEO Christophe Périllat skillfully brought various Valeo novelties together in fifteen minutes. | Photo: G. Soller
Full rows: Valeo CEO Christophe Périllat skillfully brought various Valeo novelties together in fifteen minutes. | Photo: G. Soller
Werbung
Werbung
Gregor Soller

Software will account for up to 30 percent of a car's value by 2030, prophesied Valeo CEO Christophe Périllat at the booth during the press conference. And while Valeo has always presented many new products in recent years, which were more hardware-focused, Périllat is now presenting a complete software ecosystem!

It is not just about pure software products but also Software as a Service. Additionally, Périllat emphasizes that they are also benefiting from experiences in thermal management, which is crucial for cooling chips and computers. Thermal management also helps to ensure the performance, lifespan, and safety of the battery, as well as promoting passenger comfort while minimizing the impact on range.

Valeo is going a step further and introducing its efficient, compact, and centralized Smart Heat Pump in Munich, which also uses its own software: Thanks to the full integration of refrigerant and coolant components, the heat pump simplifies system integration and is designed to create more space under the hood.

But of course, Valeo also offers new hardware, more and more as an all-in-one solution: The IAA debut features a new 6-in-1 e-axle system, which combines an inverter, on-board charger, DC/DC converter, power distribution unit, e-motor, and reduction gearbox, utilizing Valeo's expertise in hardware and software for "optimal integration and utilization," according to the press release.

"Cocoon" for a pleasant and safe ride

The cars of the future will be characterized by seamless connectivity, intuitive user experience, and helpful automated driving and parking functions. With a focus on occupant protection and creating a comfortable interior, Valeo will exhibit the Cocoon at its booth, showcasing the company’s innovative products in the areas of ADAS and in-vehicle experience for a safe and pleasant ride. Here, software is at the center.

Lighting as a means of car communication

Lighting is used both outside and inside the vehicle to improve visibility and safety, enhance the driving experience, but also to strengthen communication and branding. Valeo has combined hardware and software technologies for this as well: The world market leader in visibility systems has developed a digital twin that supports customers in managing multi-LED lighting features, integrates vehicle specifications, and provides a holistic design visualization in real time. This saves time and costs.

World Leader in ADAS Solutions

According to its own statements, Valeo is the global leader in the ADAS sector, offering a vast portfolio of perception systems and all technologies required to meet the challenges of the software-defined vehicle. Valeo's proprietary software is once again in demand: For example, Valeo is developing a comprehensive package of AI-based software for signal processing, computer vision, data fusion, and vehicle control. This software stack is hosted in a central domain controller, complemented by zone controllers also offered by Valeo.

In collaboration with BMW and Deutsche Telekom, Valeo is presenting the aforementioned teleoperation at its booth, where a car can be remotely controlled for parking maneuvers. This demonstrates the potential for new types of services, such as remotely controlled valet parking services.

Back to the Basics: Valeo Even Reinvents the Windshield Wiper

And, of course, Valeo aims to be CO2-neutral by 2050, keyword circular economy. This starts with product design by making the right decisions regarding materials, technology, and design.

Which is why they are also presenting "Canopy," the first windshield wiper that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 61% compared to a standard Valeo wiper blade representative of most wiper blades available on the European market. Additionally, there is "Purelight," an innovative headlight concept developed with bio-based materials and additive manufacturing, enabling the repair and reuse of materials to minimize its weight and extend its lifecycle. This shows that despite a lot of new software, very simple hardware products have also been further developed.

What Does This Mean?

Currently, Valeo has an incredible number of threads in hand – and is now starting to skillfully weave them together with software, without neglecting hardware. Here, too, there is still enormous potential that the enterprising French do not want to leave untapped.

Translated automatically from German.
Werbung

Branchenguide

Werbung