In a groundbreaking display of technological synergy, Sony Group steals the spotlight at CES 2024 by presenting its electric Afeela car being driven live on stage using a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. The extraordinary demonstration took place during Sony’s pre-CES event, where COO Izumi Kawanishi confirmed it as a remarkable tech demo.
Afeela EV’s Unique Features and Collaborations Revealed
During the CES pre-event, Sony and Honda revealed additional details about the Afeela’s development, unveiling a host of unique features. Notably, the electric vehicle shares more than just the PlayStation controller with the PS5. Powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.3, the Afeela showcases 3D graphics and visuals on its ultrawide dashboard. Passengers can access Sony’s extensive entertainment library while on the road, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Unreal Engine also plays a pivotal role in creating simulated environments for training Afeela’s driver assistance systems, contributing to improved safety measures. Sony Honda Mobility’s collaboration with Microsoft brings Azure AI cloud-scale computing technology into Afeela’s development, showcasing the intersection of cutting-edge automotive and cloud computing solutions. The presentation concluded with a tantalizing teaser of a potential collaboration with Sony’s in-house game studio, Polyphony Digital, hinting at a virtual driving experience in the upcoming Gran Turismo 7 game.
Significance of the Collaboration and Afeela’s Evolution
This latest development solidifies the growing bond between Sony and Honda in their pursuit of innovative electric vehicle technology. The Afeela, initially unveiled as a prototype in January 2023, is a product of the joint venture between Sony and Honda. The vehicle is equipped with Qualcomm technology and utilizes lithium-ion batteries from GS Yuasa, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in integrating advanced components for a seamless and futuristic driving experience.
