Toyota Displays a Mirai-Based Research Vehicle with Satellite Communications Function
January 12 2016 - 7:00AM
Business Wire
Accelerates Connected Technology Development
through Collaboration with Kymeta
At the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS),
Toyota is displaying a research vehicle based on the Mirai fuel
cell vehicle which is equipped with satellite communications
technology from Kymeta, a U.S.-based company that is the world’s
leader in flat-panel antenna technology.
Toyota is working to enhance its connected technologies,
including a plan to install a Data Communication Module into a
broader range of its vehicles. The company is also considering
using satellite communications in the future, including high
capacity satellites that offer much higher data transfer rates than
conventional satellite technologies.
While these satellites have historically required the use of a
“dish” antenna on the ground, Kymeta’s satellite antennas remove
the need for mechanical components by using software and liquid
crystal technologies to electronically track and steer towards
satellites. The lightweight, flat profile of the antenna also
allows for seamless integration during vehicle assembly or easy
aftermarket installation.
“For several years, Toyota met with emerging companies around
the world to investigate new technologies,” said Shigeki Tomoyama,
Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. “We were very
excited to learn about Kymeta, because their flat antennae
technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite
communications.”
Satellite communications offer several key benefits to meet
automotive needs, including 1) the distribution of huge amounts of
data to a vehicle, 2) broad coverage areas and the global
deployment of connected vehicles that share common standards across
national borders, and 3) more stable and secure communications,
particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters.
“We’re excited to be working with Toyota on this next generation
of vehicle connectivity,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Kymeta.
“Kymeta is the first company to successfully demonstrate this type
of technology, and we have over 8,000 miles of road testing with
cars connected to satellites.”
Since September 2013, Toyota and Kymeta have been jointly
researching flat antennae, embedded in the car, to support
satellite distribution of huge amounts of data to a vehicle. With
an exclusive right for development and testing of the on-car
antenna, Toyota lent the company research vehicles for test
driving. The Mirai displayed at NAIAS represents the progress of
these efforts.
Mirai Creation Investment Limited Partnership, a fund where
Toyota participates as an investor, provided an investment of 5
million dollars U.S. to Kymeta this month to enhance future
technology research and development. Toyota expects acceleration of
the joint research with Kymeta through the investment.
Toyota continues to work to accelerate connected car development
and introduction including use of satellite communications, to
offer customers ever-better car experience.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160112005148/en/
Media Contacts for ToyotaJohn
Hanson, 310-291-5002Cindy Knight, 424-558-0185orMedia Contacts for KymetaHakan Olsson,
206-227-8770Aaron Grabein, 512-363-3050
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