TU-TESL

• 22

According to foreign media reports, on February 20 local time, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation announced the development of the world's first predictive information and communication technology (ICT) network shift system, which enables the vehicle to automatically switch to the best gear after identifying the road ahead and traffic conditions. Hyundai and Kia plan to deploy the technology on future models. During the development of the system, Hyundai and Kia applied for about 40 major patents in South Korea and abroad. (photo source: Hyundai) although the technology of automatic gear shifting depends on the driver's preference, such as the smart drive mode supported by most modern and Kia models at present, ICT online gear shifting system is the first ICT system to automatically shift gears according to the road and traffic conditions. ICT network shift system uses the intelligent software of transmission control unit (TCU) to collect and interpret the real-time input information of 3D navigation equipped with accurate road map, camera and radar used for intelligent cruise control and other basic technologies. 3D navigation input information includes altitude, slope, curvature, various road events and current traffic conditions. The radar can detect vehicle speed and distance from other vehicles, and the front-view camera can provide lane information. With all the input information above, TCU can predict the best shift scheme in real-time driving situation through artificial intelligence algorithm, and shift accordingly. For example, when the expected deceleration time is long and the radar detects that the vehicle speed ahead is normal, the transmission clutch will temporarily switch to neutral mode to improve fuel efficiency. When Hyundai and Kia test a car with ICT network gear shifting system on a very crooked road, the frequency of gear shifting is reduced by about 43% compared with the car without the system. Accordingly, the system also reduces the brake operation frequency by about 11%, thus minimizing the driving fatigue and brake wear. When fast acceleration is needed at the entrance of the expressway, the system can automatically switch the driving mode to sport mode at the junction of the expressway, making it easier for vehicles to merge into the traffic flow. After merging with the traffic flow, the vehicle can automatically return to the original driving mode to ensure safe and efficient driving. In addition, when the accelerator pedal is released, the system will automatically apply the brake by confirming the position of the deceleration belt, downhill and the speed limit change on the road. If the front radar detects that the distance from the front vehicle has changed, the system will automatically adjust the appropriate gear to improve the driving quality. Moreover, the system can also work with increasingly developed technologies. In the era of autopilot, the ICT network shift system can improve fuel efficiency and provide a stable driving experience by improving response to real-time roads and traffic conditions. Hyundai and Kia are planning to further develop the ICT network shift system to make it a more intelligent shift technology. LTE or 5g communication technology can be used to communicate with traffic signals and identify the driving tendency of drivers, so as to further improve shift control.