Hyundai and Kia Develop a Unique Gear Shifting Technology
Two major Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia
have designed a predictive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connected
Shift System, allowing the car to switch automatically to the most appropriate
gear after assessing the road and traffic situations ahead. Both automakers
plan to utilize this promising technology on their future models. It is interesting
to point out that during development process, the companies managed to file
numerous patents.
The new product is the 1-st ICT solution that shifts gears automatically on the basis of the road situation. The new system utilizes smart software integrated in the TCU unit that gathers and analyzes real-time info from different systems (cameras, cruise control radar, 3D-navigation). Using all this relevant data from different sources, the TCU specifies the greatest shift scenario for the current road situation via an AI algorithm and switches gears respectively. For instance, when a relatively long-time speed reduction is to take place and radar does not discover any speed changes with the vehicle ahead, the system switches to N gear for some time to optimize fuel economy.
During practical tests of a car equipped with the new system on a heavily twisted road, the rate of shifts in cornering was decreased by about 43% in contrast to cars without the system. At the same time, the system also helps to lower the frequency of brake engagement by more than 10%, thus making the process of driving more comfortable and reducing brake wearing to a minimum.
When prompt speed-ups were necessary to drive into a highway, the system switched to Sport Mode at the merge, simplifying the process of joining the traffic stream. After merging with traffic, the car independently engaged the original driving mode, ensuring safe and efficient driving. Moreover, the engine brakes were automatically engaged after release of the gas pedal by detecting speed control bumps, downhill slopes and road sections with speed limitations. Distance variations from the car ahead were measured by the front radar to engage the proper gear automatically, which positively affected driving experience.
Both automakers plan to continue enhancing capacities of the new shifting system. Companies didn’t give any specific details regarding particular dates when the new system will find application in production vehicles.
