The new Continental CoSmA smartphone-based vehicle access system has received production orders from three major global vehicle manufacturers.
The new digital access system from the German technology major, Continental CoSmA, is in the spotlight as three major vehicle manufacturers have placed orders and are integrating the smartphone solution worldwide into the architecture of their upcoming vehicle generations.
With three global vehicle manufacturers from Europe and Asia ordering Continental CoSmA for integration into architecture of new vehicle generations in 2021, the connected future is slowly but surely taking shape. Continental CoSmA uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology to act as an access solution that offers convenient hands-free system with enhanced anti-theft protection.
Continental CoSmA technology replaces conventional keys and is considered more user-friendly as drivers can access, unlock and start their car using their own smartphone without having to pick up the device. CoSmA works with Android and Apple smartphones and is not limited to the hardware or the vendor of the smartphone. The core of the system is a digital key that contains the authorized access details to the desired vehicle. In one app, the vehicle owner can generate and manage multiple digital keys at the same time and share them easily with family and friends. Package delivery services can even deliver online orders directly to the vehicle. As soon as authentication is provided by the backend key management system in the Continental.cloud, access to the vehicle is granted. Volvo Cars had earlier shown how easy a system such as this one could make things a few years ago using the new XC90; smartphone key, digital access and one-time unlock for reasons of grocery deliveries when parked, etc. The all-electric Honda e was a recipient of Continental CoSmA.
Speaking about Continental CoSmA, Johann Hiebl, head of the Connected Car Networking business unit at Continental, said, “With CoSmA, the smartphone becomes a digital vehicle key. We are delighted that more vehicle manufacturers are integrating the solution into their vehicle generations, thereby making keyless operation of vehicles increasingly convenient through the use of personal smartphones. Together, we’re taking the next step towards a fully digital user experience.”
On the Honda e using Continental CoSmA, Hiebl had said, “The integration of our CoSmA solution in the new Honda e marks an important milestone in the era of the connected vehicle and the digitalization of the automotive industry. Not only do we enable a complete digital user experience for Honda e owners, this is also the first time Continental’s CoSmA goes into series production directly with a vehicle manufacturer.”
Together with other well-known companies, Continental is dedicated to the basic development of the UWB radio standard for vehicle access in the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). The CCC is working on a global standard for hands-free access to the vehicle and other applications for vehicle localization based on UWB technology. The aim of these efforts is to enable use for all smartphone operating systems and models.
How Continental CoSmA Works:
Vehicle access via smartphone from Continental uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in the basic version. In the latest generation of the digital key, Continental also relies on UWB technology, which offers greater convenience and new functions. The UWB and UWB-BLE transceiver modules enable the authorized smartphone to be located with high accuracy from both inside and outside the vehicle. The onboard architecture of the CoSmA solution also features a central electronic computer unit with a state-of-the-art secure element as a certified secure storage for any digital vehicle key application. As soon as the position of the authorized smartphone is precisely determined, the system allows the vehicle to be unlocked and the engine to be started without having to pull out the smartphone.
Precise localization also enables new user-centric functions such as remote-controlled parking via smartphone. In addition to this increased level of convenience, the smartphone-based solution with UWB technology provides protection against unauthorized access via relay attacks, in which a vehicle thief intercepts and extends the key signal in order to gain access.
