Swarm Intelligence for Motorcycles: Continental Brings eHorizon to Two-Wheelers

• Motorcyclists share rider and route information via eHorizon and the accompanying app
• At the touch of a button connected to the digital instrument cluster, motorcyclists can record location data while riding
• Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth Low Energy enables turn-by-turn navigation on the display, sends emergency text messages, or enables keyless start via an app
• Continental will present the eHorizon for two-wheelers at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas for the first time

Las Vegas, December 02, 2016. Motorcyclists can already start looking forward to future seasons, because with eHorizon the Continental developers based in Singapore will enable motorcyclists to see around corners. The eHorizon system for two-wheelers interconnects bikers, offers a shared platform to motorcyclist communities, and allows motorcyclists to share important route information. With this system, the international technology company is using the concept of swarm intelligence, which continuously supplies the digital map in the backend with accurate and up-to-date information. 'The stored data is collated in the cloud and made available to all motorcyclists. Thus the eHorizon informs bikers in advance of obstacles along their route such as road works, accidents, oil or water on the road, or traffic jams and enhances safety not only for them but also for other road users', Ralf Lenninger, head of the Continental business unit Intelligent Transportation Systems.

eHorizon system for two-wheelers interconnects bikers, offers a shared platform to motorcyclist communities, and allows motorcyclists to share important route Information.Image download

To integrate the software, Continental has developed a digital instrument cluster that not only displays all the usual information such as road and engine speed but also contains an information panel, which displays safety-relevant information on the traffic and weather, as well as notifications about incoming phone calls or music. The software prioritizes the displayed information according to the user preference.

Smartphone integration and app use the power of collective intelligence

To supply the digital map with route data, motorcyclists use a button connected to the instrument cluster that allows them to record their current position and, when they have finished their journey, to enter specific information about the incident and its location. This data will be collated in the cloud, added to an incident map, and then shared with other motorcyclists driving along this route.

Via the connected cluster the eHorizon alerts the biker about dangerous SituationsImage download

For this and other functions, Continental has developed a smartphone app equipped with a Bluetooth Connection Manager allowing the smartphone to communicate with the instrument cluster. The app allows motorcyclists to enter navigation destinations and enables the turn-by-turn navigation to be displayed on the cluster. Motorcyclists also have the option of transferring missed call notifications, the time, or charge status of their smartphone from the phone to the display.

The Bikefinder function allows motorcyclists to locate their motorcycle even in a busy underground parking lot, using Bluetooth Low Energy and Radio frequency. The cluster-integrated immobilizer can also be deactivated using the app and the start of the engine can be permitted by using the Bluetooth-based smart key. If the vehicle systems detect that an accident has taken place, they can use the smartphone connection to send - once again, automatically - an emergency text message to a predefined contact. To ensure that the continuous connection between the smartphone and instrument cluster does not take its toll on the phone battery, a USB charging capability is also provided.

The Bikefinder function allows motorcyclists to locate their motorcycle even in a busy underground parking lot.Image download

Creating communities for enhanced riding pleasure and safety

Through this app platform, Continental gives motorcyclists the opportunity to create communities and allows existing motorcyclist groups to share data digitally. Motorcyclists can use the app to share information such as distance ridden, places visited, or anything else of interest with all the other people in the group. A dedicated web page has been created for this purpose. The integration of instrument clusters and eHorizon is not limited to any specific motorcycle class, which means that even smaller motorcycles could potentially be connected. The design and content of the platform can be easily adapted in line with manufacturers' requirements.

Continental introduces the eHorizon for Two-Wheelers at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 5th to 8th 2017.