TECHNO-FRONTIER 2018: Manufacturing changes in the age of electrification and autonomous driving

Increased number of electronic components, electronic substrates, and the use of aluminum

2018/05/29

Summary
Electric vehicle trend
Changes in internal combustion vehicles
Nissan Note ePower (series hybrid engine model)
Honda Legend Hybrid
Nissan Leaf teardown, Toyota SAFETY SENSE P commentary, etc.

Summary

The TECHNO-FRONTIER 2018 event held for three days at the Makuhari Messe exhibition center (April 18 to 20, 2018) showcased developments in the areas of motors, motion engineering, mechatronics, mechanical parts and processing technology, power supply systems, eco-power solutions, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and noise countermeasures, as well as exhibitions relating to thermal design and countermeasure technologies. In addition, this was the first exhibition held that reflected manufacturing changes in the age of electrification and vehicle automation such as the utilization of AI and IoT technologies and advanced driver-assistance system technologies.

According to forecasts by LMC Automotive, in 2027, worldwide 90% of vehicles will still be powered by internal combustion engines. From some of the car cutaway models displayed at the exhibition, one can see some of the advances that are being made in the evolution of engine electrification as well as in engine auxiliary devices (e.g. water pumps and air conditioner compressors) for hybrid vehicle applications, etc., with small motors integrated into the pumps and compressors. Also evident is an increased use of electronic substrates and controllers as well as dramatic increase in the number of components made of aluminum, which possess excellent heat dissipation properties.

Half cut exhibition car cutaways provided by the Saitama Institute of Automotive Technology:

Nissan Note e-Power (series hybrid)
Honda Legend Hybrid
Honda Fit Hybrid

(Half cut exhibition car: Nissan note e-Power engine room and battery ECU)

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