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Transportation
This development represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the experiences of both drivers and passengers.
Mitsubishi’s new cockpit.
IE
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA) has made an exciting advancement in automotive technology with the launch of its innovative cockpit system, FLEXConnect.
Unveiled at CES 2025, this cutting-edge platform integrates QNX software with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to bring cloud-based functionalities directly to vehicles.
This development represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the experiences of both drivers and passengers.
AI cockpit
With FLEXConnect, MEAA aims to reshape the in-cabin environment by utilizing real-time vehicle data.
This initiative promises to bolster driver safety and facilitate a more personalized journey while simultaneously creating lucrative revenue opportunities for automotive manufacturers.
“This partnership represents a transformative shift in the automotive landscape, introducing advanced safety features that are continually refined through data analytics,” stated Mark Rakoski, Vice President of Advanced Engineering at MEAA.
The system’s core feature involves collecting and analyzing various data points through AWS, leading to enhanced insights regarding driver habits, environmental conditions on the road, and even the health of cabin occupants.
“FLEXConnect channels data to AWS for comprehensive analysis, translating information into actionable insights that significantly improve both vehicle safety and the overall passenger experience,” explained Mohammad Horani, Director of Advanced Engineering at MEAA.
FLEXConnect introduces various safety innovations, including advanced facial recognition, distraction detection, and biometric monitoring capabilities.
These features allow the system to adapt swiftly, delivering a driving experience that prioritizes safety and intuitiveness.
This platform empowers automakers to quickly identify trends and roll out new features through over-the-air updates, ensuring that vehicles remain equipped with the latest technology.
“Our collaboration with MEAA enables us to combine our extensive automotive industry knowledge with AWS’s security, scalability, and flexibility, fast-tracking the creation of connected and software-defined vehicle technologies that elevate driver experiences to new heights,” remarked Dr Sarah Cooper, Director of AWS Industry Products.
Health-focused
Beyond just safety, FLEXConnect sets a new standard for wellness in vehicles, integrating health-focused innovations like fatigue tracking and biometric monitoring.
These features support a safer driving environment and reflect growing consumer demand for vehicles that enhance overall well-being—without the need for intrusive wearable devices.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Mitsubishi Electric. We aim to provide automakers with robust software solutions that establish a reliable foundation for their next-generation vehicle infrastructure,” Niko Hammond, Vice President of Business Development at QNX, said.
“The push for data-driven, intuitive, and personalized in-cabin experiences is quickly becoming a competitive battleground for manufacturers. Collaborating with reputable partners like AWS positions us to empower visionary companies such as Mitsubishi Electric in an industry poised for unprecedented transformation.”
As consumer interest in customized, intelligent driving experiences rises, FLEXConnect allows automakers to tap into subscription-based services, unlocking new revenue streams.
The combination of artificial intelligence, real-time data, and cloud technology represents a paradigm shift within the automotive sector.
Horani noted, “The industry is pivoting toward a model that relies heavily on data, aiming to improve safety and unleash fresh opportunities for automotive manufacturers.”
With the launch of the FLEXConnect cockpit, MEAA is not just keeping pace with technological advancements but setting the standard for the future of driving.
As vehicles increasingly become platforms for personal enhancement, the innovation potential is boundless.
The automotive industry is at the cusp of a revolution, and with initiatives like FLEXConnect, Mitsubishi Electric is leading the charge toward a safer, more personalized driving experience.