CES 2020: Watch for these tech trends

The way people live has long been shaped by our transportation options. From the invention of the wheel to the emergence of ride-sharing technology, each new development in mobility has had a profound impact on the goods we buy, the jobs we pursue, the places we choose to live and more.

Recent developments in vehicle and transportation technology have opened up exciting new possibilities for human mobility, paving the way for safer, greener and more comfortable travel. We expect so see a strong showing from mobility tech companies this year across several key areas:

• Autonomous tech. Investment in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has exploded over the last decade, rising from $167 million in 2014 to over $4 billion in 2018.¹ As interest and investment continue to grow, companies across the spectrum – from traditional automotive OEMs to component suppliers to innovative mobility startups – are working together to develop the technology that will power our driverless future.
• Electric vehicle tech. The electric vehicle (EV) market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, due in part to mounting concerns around the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports and the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that in the US alone, 63% of consumers have some interest in EVs.² As the #1 lithium-ion battery supplier in the global market for hybrid and electric vehicles, Panasonic is deeply invested in this technology, helping companies like Tesla and Tropos take their EVs to the next level.
• Intelligent transportation. Across the country, state governments are exploring vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology that enables vehicles and roadway infrastructure to communicate with each other. In fact, Panasonic has partnered with state departments of transportation in Colorado, Utah and Georgia to launch connected vehicle programs powered by our industry-leading CIRRUS by Panasonic platform. As more miles of interstate are updated with smart sensors and other connected infrastructure, roadway operators will be able to monitor road conditions in real time and share critical information directly with drivers – leading to safer, more efficient travel.
• E-bikes and e-motorcycles. Two-wheeled transport is on the rise in urban America as cities invest in initiatives to increase and diversify transportation options. In the past decade alone, we’ve seen the launch of CitiBike, the rise (and fall) of hoverboards and the emergence of e-scooters. At the forefront of this two-wheeled revolution are the e-bike and the e-motorcycle – and as urban populations expand and the trend towards electrification continues, we can expect to see demand for electric two-wheelers grow accordingly.

¹ https://www.cbinsights.com/research/auto-tech-startup-investment-trends/
² https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/surveying-consumers-electric-vehicles

Smart home technology has become increasingly popular, with consumers investing in everything from connected fridges and intelligent thermostats to smart locks and advanced security systems. The promise of this technology is that the homes of the future will be more efficient, more sustainable and more comfortable.

What intelligent home tech can we expect to see showcased at CES this year? Here are some possibilities:

• Connected home tech. Connected appliances and electronics are nothing new, but innovative companies are working on ways to take this smart home technology to a new level. By integrating these individual products as hardware units within a larger framework, we can create a connected home ecosystem that learns over time, automatically adjusting to the needs and desires of each resident.
• Advanced home monitoring. Home security has evolved long past the era of simple alarm systems designed to detect burglars. Today’s systems combine high-definition cameras with smart home, wireless and mobile technology to provide real-time situational awareness. In addition to protecting against intruders, advanced home monitoring systems can detect carbon monoxide, allow for keyless entry, identify open windows and even notify homeowners about package deliveries.

When people talk about entertainment, they often think in terms of home entertainment. Indeed, home entertainment technologies – including TVs, projectors, gaming systems and home audio – have always had a large presence at CES, and 2020 looks to be no different.

But “entertainment” encompasses more than just TVs. Innovators are utilizing cutting-edge technology in novel ways to create truly immersive experiences for audiences in spaces like music festivals, theme parks, sporting events and more. Here’s what we might expect to see at CES 2020 in the entertainment tech space:

• Projection technology. Some of today’s most breathtaking immersive storytelling has been made possible thanks to projection technology. For example, Panasonic’s market-leading projectors have helped to create magic for guests at Disney Parks, as well as unforgettable opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games. And advancements like 8K resolution and high-speed projection mapping are taking this technology to the next level.
• High-end audio. There’s never been a better time to be a music lover. From festivals to nightclubs, cutting-edge audio technology is elevating the listening experience, allowing crowds to experience music in a whole new way. At Panasonic, our Technics products are pushing the boundaries of sound reproduction and enabling new encounters with sound for music lovers.

CES is more than just a proving ground for innovators – it’s a celebration of technology’s promise to improve people’s lives and to move humanity forward.

At Panasonic, we believe in the power of disruptive technology to create a better life for both individuals and societies. We hope you’ll join us at CES 2020 next month to see how our innovations are delivering better experiences for all.