Toyota Displays a Mirai vehicle with Satellite Communications Function at 2016 NAIAS

Some of the most innovative technology and models in auto industry took place recently at the 2016 Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS). For this event Toyota demonstrated the Mirai equipped with satellite communications technology. This was inspiring because Toyota Motor Corp. is on the course to offer something new for car enthusiasts by improving connectivity in their vehicles. Toyota teamed with Kymeta, the world’s leaders in the field of flat-panel antenna technology.

These new antennas and their satellite connections allow for huge amounts of data to be sent to the car, being more stable and secure, particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters.

Toyota has considered using satellite communications for the future. This involves the capacity of high satellites entailing much higher data transfer amount than in other common satellite technologies.Some of the most innovative technology and models in auto industry took place recently at the 2016 Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS).

For this event Toyota demonstrated the Mirai equipped with satellite communications technology. This was inspiring because Toyota Motor Corp. is on the course to offer something new for car enthusiasts by improving connectivity in their vehicles. Toyota teamed with Kymeta, the world’s leaders in the field of flat-panel antenna technology.

These new antennas and their satellite connections allow for huge amounts of data to be sent to the car, being more stable and secure, particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters.

Toyota has considered using satellite communications for the future. This involves the capacity of high satellites entailing much higher data transfer amount than in other common satellite technologies.

With no “dish” on the ground, Kymeta satellite antennas remove mechanical components by using software and liquid crystal technologies in order to track and guide towards satellites. The antenna is flat and quite lightweight which makes it easier to be added to cars even after vehicle’s assembly. It can be added to existing vehicles with no interference with the car’s design.

“For several years, Toyota met with emerging companies around the world to investigate new technologies,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. “We were very excited to learn about Kymeta, because their flat antennae technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite communications.”

This kind of communication offers numerous benefits of data to a vehicle like: -the distribution of huge amounts of data to a vehicle, – broad coverage areas and the global deployment of connected vehicles that share common standards across national borders, and -more stable and secure communications, particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters.

“We’re excited to be working with Toyota on this next generation of vehicle connectivity,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Kymeta. “Kymeta is the first company to successfully demonstrate this type of technology, and we have over 8,000 miles of road testing with cars connected to satellites.”

Looking at all of this, Toyota is optimistic about profits of this kind of new satellite communications-based flat-panel antenna technology in auto industry looking at the long run. Toyota participates as an investor with $5million (US) to improve future technology research development.

Toyota continues its work in advancing connected car development including the use of satellite communications, all aimed at customers to have better car experience.

In a statement, Toyota Motor Corporation’s senior managing officer, Shigeki Tomoyama, said, “For several years, Toyota met with emerging companies around the world to investigate new technologies. We were very excited to learn about Kymeta, because their flat antennae technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite communications.”