Audi shows Autonomous and intelligent future at CES 2020

Audi will be showing several concepts at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Los Angeles. Their AI:ME autonomous vehicle will grab headlines, but it’s the 3D augmented reality tech set to make an appearance in passenger cars and new MIB3 infotainment software that has us excited.

After showing their awesome AI Trail at last year’s Frankfurt Autoshow Audi has released a more subdued take for the city use with the AI:ME. The exterior already looks pretty out there, but it’s what this concept promises for the driving experience – or lack thereof – that makes it different.

Audi has promised the world with the AI:ME, for a start it claims the car will be “empathetic” to the user’s needs – even adjusting to their preferred fragrance – while representing a “third living space” away from home and work.

The concept is autonomous, too, so driving is no longer the verb of choice, perhaps operating but even that might be a stretch.

Naturally, if you become distracted and tired by hustle and bustle going on around you Audi has a solution; the AI:ME promises a set of VR goggles to transport you on “a virtual flight through spectacular scenery”.

Eye-tracking will be employed by the Audi, allowing operators to communicate with the vehicle. The AI:ME will even order Uber Eats to your destination of choice, perhaps they should have called it the ‘Audi Jeeves’ instead.

Closer to production is Audi’s MIB 3 infotainment system – not to be confused with any Will Smith movies. This should improve on what is already one of our favourite systems to use and promises a processor ten-time faster than current systems.

Faster processors mean better ability to alter route guidance, quicker responses and an overall higher quality experience. Ambient lighting will also be incorporated into the new system.

MIB 3 shown on the concepts at the 2020 CES also features a new transparent digital display for traditional information. Audi says the screen will be 15cm tall and 122cm wide and be made up of two layers, one a transparent OLED and a black backing.

Augmented reality (AR) has been a big talking point of late too, and Audi will be demonstrating the tech in the fresh e-tron Sportback and Q4 e-tron concept at the 2020 CES. 

Audi’s AR system is essentially a step-up from the current crop of head-up display systems which – with the help of electronics giant Samsung – uses 3D technology borrowed from televisions to help with sat-nav, lane choice, speed limits and more. 

We’re not sure when the AI:ME will be arriving, if it does, but we know the AR systems will be emerging in 2020 on some models and MIB 3 will eventually be rolled out across the range.