NXP Semiconductors has been working with Volkswagen on a concept car to explore the capabilities of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to enhance security, safety and convenience in automobiles.  

UWB will allow the following use cases for automotive:

• automated trailer hitch activation
• in-cabin passenger detection
• automated valet parking
• hands-free parking
• lot access and drive-through payment
• walking pattern recognition for car access

The Volkswagen UWB car key also employs high-precision sensing technology and Artificial Intelligence to recognize certain user gestures.

UWB satisfies requirements in a broad range of industries such as mobile, automotive, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and the industrial space, offering exact outdoor and indoor localization, which is an improvement over existing wireless technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

"We see enormous potential in UWB. As a co-founder of the FIRA Consortium, we are working to enhance the technology, drive its standardization and also develop new use cases,” said NXP’s CTO, Lars Reger. “A potential application, that I personally find very compelling, is the potential UWB has to replace the key ring for your home, office or car."

"The first UWB application we see is in theft protection – another security milestone, which you will see in volume Volkswagen car models starting this year. But this is only the beginning,” said Volkswagen’s head of body electronics and car access, Maik Rohde. “UWB, especially when combined with high-precision sensors and Artificial Intelligence, can deliver further benefits. Some of these you can experience in our concept car."

For more information, visit www.nxp.com.