At CES 2024, Sony made a splash by introducing the Afeela electric car in a unique way. Using a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, Izumi Kawanishi effortlessly brought the Afeela onto the stage, merging gaming and automotive technology seamlessly.
While the idea of parking your Sony EV with a gaming controller might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, Kawanishi clarified it was just a tech demo. Beyond the captivating entrance, this event marked the beginning of a closer look at the collaboration between Sony and Honda, unveiling the innovative features that make the Afeela EV a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles.
Afeela EV driven to the stage with a PlayStation controller
At the recent CES 2024, Sony turned heads by showcasing the Afeela electric car, driven onto the stage by Izumi Kawanishi using a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. While the use of a gaming controller to park your Sony EV might seem futuristic, Kawanishi clarified it was just a demo.
Sony’s new AFEELA car from Honda can be driven with a PS5 controller. pic.twitter.com/tkf6rqLvLd
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 9, 2024
Despite the flashy start, the Afeela’s appearance remained consistent with previous CES showcases. Nevertheless, the event spilled the beans on Sony and Honda’s collaboration, revealing exciting details about Afeela’s development, including unique entertainment and safety features.
Afeela uses Epic’s Unreal Engine 5.3
Beyond looks and entertainment, Afeela has a surprising tie to the gaming world. It uses Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.3 for its 3D graphics, bringing the dashboard display to life. This engine enables detailed 3D maps, virtual spaces, and augmented reality views for drivers and passengers.
Afeela also leverages Unreal Engine 5.3 to train its multi-camera driver assistance systems, boosting safety. The realistic simulated environments improve the accuracy of visual models and neural network processing. During CES 2024, Sony Honda Mobility announced a collaboration with Microsoft, bringing Azure AI cloud-scale computing technology into Afeela’s development. This collaboration underscores the commitment to infusing artificial intelligence into Afeela’s tech, keeping it at the forefront of innovation.
More details about Afeela EV
Scheduled for a 2026 debut, Afeela, born from Sony and Honda’s collaboration, promises a new era in automotive innovation. Unveiled as a prototype at the 2023 CES, the Afeela EV sedan features a sleek design akin to the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S. While its official name is still a mystery, some intriguing features have surfaced.
Afeela packs 45 strategically placed cameras and sensors, backed by a robust onboard computer for advanced driver-assistance and telematics systems. A partnership with Epic Games enhances the infotainment system, providing an immersive in-car experience. A self-driving feature adds a touch of autonomy to this futuristic ride.
Featured image credit: Afeela
