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PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the lighting and electronics expert HELLA will display its latest technologies that not only enable higher levels of autonomous driving, but also allow OEMs and drivers the freedom to create more customized vehicles. The company will showcase its multifunctional SHAKE (Structural Health and Knock Emission) sensor and innovations in car body lighting design as well as other autonomous vehicle advancements that allow visitors to "Experience Tomorrow" via its AutoMobili-D demo vehicle and booth, Jan. 14-21, in Detroit's Cobo Center.

"HELLA is actively working to lead the industry in developing solutions that help OEMs manufacture vehicles with superior performance, advanced safety features and coveted customization options," said Steve Lietaert, President of HELLA Corporate Center USA. "Individualization is one of the top trends we are focusing on to address the technologies needed for future autonomous mobility. Our SHAKE sensor, which goes into serial production this year and offers numerous safety and comfort functions, is an example of one of these technologies."

Building upon existing camera and radar systems that provide vehicles the ability to "see" the environment around them, HELLA's SHAKE sensor gives cars an opportunity to "feel" their surroundings, opening the door for new detection functions. The sensor was recently upgraded to recognize structure-borne sound waves generated by contact or knocks on the vehicle body through a piezoelectric foil. Upon analyzing the sounds, the sensor gives manufacturers the choice of executing up to three detection functions in a single solution.

The SHAKE technology's three optional functions are:

• Intelligent Damage Detection: detects the severity, time and place of vehicle damage, including scratches, dents and paint damage. It then records the incidents to create damage reports for owners and mobility companies, who may use autonomous vehicles in car-sharing applications. 
• Adaptive Impact Detection: uses two sensors, located on the front and rear of vehicles, to detect the slightest touches of cars or pedestrians to the vehicle's bumpers at speeds up to approximately 12 mph. The sensors also can trigger a signal to stop vehicles to prevent further damage, and detect contact and perform an emergency stop if any collision with obstructions occurs during parking.
• Smart Touch Detection: offers drivers individual convenience and safety features by allowing them to control autonomous vehicles with the touch of their hand.

Beyond sensors, lighting solutions are growing in importance for both autonomous vehicle safety and design. HELLA's new exterior lighting components, including headlamps, rear combination lamps and daytime running lights, present additional performance and styling options to OEMs. On HELLA's NAIAS demo vehicle, attendees will be able to witness its welcome lighting technologies, as well as how lights can project graphics onto the ground, among other functions.

HELLA's demo vehicle is located in AutoMobili-D's atrium to give visitors a chance to experience the SHAKE sensor, new lighting innovations and other advanced lighting and electronic solutions in action. For more information, visit HELLA's booth, located in the autonomous driving section, in partnership with Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH, HBPO GmbH, BreezoMeter and HELLA Ventures.

HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Lippstadt: HELLA is a global, family-owned company, listed on the stock exchange, with around 40,000 employees at over 125 locations in some 35 countries. The HELLA Group develops and manufactures products for lighting technology and electronics for the automotive industry and also has one of the largest retail organizations for automotive parts, accessories, diagnostics, and services within Europe. With nearly 7,000 people working in research and development, HELLA is one of the most important innovation drivers on the market. Furthermore, with sales of 6.6 billion euros in the fiscal year of 2016/2017, the HELLA Group is one of the top 40 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest German industrial companies.

www.hella.com 

SOURCE HELLA