Showing its more than a consumer electronics company, Sony unveiled an electric concept car at CES 2020.
The Vision-S is a prototype designed to showcase Sony’s technical prowess, and the company has not stated whether it has any plans to produce the vehicle. Even as a prototype, however, the Vision-S is an impressive accomplishment. The car has 33 sensors—13 more than a Tesla—“including CMOS image sensors and ToF sensors are embedded within the vehicle, in order to detect and recognize people and objects inside and outside the car, and provide highly advanced driving support.”
Safety is front-and-center, with the “Safety Cocoon.” Safety Cocoon is a safe-zone concept designed to monitor 360 degrees to help the driver avoid potential hazards before it’s too late.
When it comes to creature comforts, “Sony’s ‘360 Reality Audio’ provides a deep and immersive audio experience through speakers built into each seat to encapsulates passengers in sound. The front seats face a panoramic screen on which rich and diverse content can be enjoyed through an intuitive user interface.”
While the Vision-S is meant to showcase Sony’s mobile and electric capabilities, the prototype has already turned heads. Taking a car from prototype to roadworthy vehicle, reliable enough to meet drivers’ demands, is easier said than done. If enough people push for it, however, who knows what Sony may ultimately do.
