Cariad China showcases next-generation digital cockpit innovations at Auto Shanghai

At Auto Shanghai 2023, CARIAD China is exhibiting its future digital cockpit technologies on a simulator. The solutions were developed at CARIAD China’s Forward! Lab innovation lab and aim to provide a “progressive digital in-car experience with new software features for all Volkswagen brands in China, for China, at China speed”.

The Forward! Cube simulator will enable fellow exhibitors and visitors to CARIAD China’s stand to test its next-generation infotainment system, which includes gaming and other in-car experiences.

The Racing app was developed in collaboration with partner VIVO; it is started on a smartphone and connected to the vehicle’s smart cockpit using Bluetooth. The Racing game is then mirrored on the vehicle’s central display, with the smartphone being used as a controller. Smart cockpit functions – including sound and ambient lighting – adapt to the game to deliver a more immersive gaming experience through the infotainment display without the need for additional hardware. Computing power is delivered by the smartphone.

In addition to the Racing app, CARIAD China has developed the Moments application. The app is described as an intelligent cockpit infotainment DIY tool and combines vehicle body control functions, information services, entertainment content and artificial intelligence processing power to provide occupants with a customizable and personalized smart cockpit. The driver and front passenger can experience these features individually.

The company has also created the Beats application, which enables users to flexibly and individually control the lighting in different parts of the vehicle. Integrated into the vehicle’s function control, Beats is activated when music is played, and subsequently adapts light and screen animations on the infotainment system to the rhythm of the music.

The Forward! Lab will continue to test and develop customized pre-development products for the entire Volkswagen in China to ensure they are ready for market. The lab works in “innovation sprints” to develop new applications as quickly as possible.