At this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Toyota has on display a Mirai-based vehicle with advanced satellite communications functionality. Toyota has partnered with Kymeta, a U.S.-based company that specializes in flat-panel antenna technology, to incorporate innovative satellite communication technology in Toyota vehicles.
What makes Kymeta’s satellite technology so special? The company has figured out a way to remove the need for mechanical components like a “dish” antenna by using software and liquid crystal technologies instead. This technology can electronically track the satellites and steer toward them. The antennas are flat and lightweight, which makes for easier installation on the vehicles either during production or aftermarket.
Toyota and Kymeta have been researching flat antennae since 2013, and the Mirai-based vehicle on display at NAIAS reveals the efforts put forth by both sides thus far. Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, says of the partnership:
“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.”
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Satellite communication technology offers a few advantages for vehicles. For starters, it offers a lot of data to be distributed to the vehicle. It also has large coverage areas and connects similar vehicles across national borders. And finally, satellite communication technology allows for more secure communications, which is especially helpful during emergencies such as natural disasters.
Stay tuned for more information about satellite communications technology in Toyota vehicles as it becomes a reality in the coming months and years. In the meantime, feel free to check out our available new Toyota inventory and schedule a test drive at Toyota Vacaville today!