TE News: Connected Life at electronica 2016

As the electronica trade fair starts today in Munich, TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL) (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, says that trust is at the heart of the industry’s ability to develop systems people rely on to connect their entire lives. That’s because the technology in everything from cars, trucks and homes to aircraft and factories are increasingly mission-critical.

For example, according to recent U.S. government data, 94 percent of car crashes are caused by human error. Fortunately, some early data from the auto industry suggests that automated vehicles can reduce those crashes. Yet there is a trust gap. According to an October 2016 study by Weber Shandwick and KRC Research, 57 percent of global consumers do not trust artificial intelligence to drive cars.  

“More than a million people die in vehicle accidents every year around the world,” said Eric Kueppers, president, Global Automotive at TE Connectivity (TE, electronica Hall B2/Booth #225 and Hall B1/#233). “One way to potentially reduce traffic fatalities and injuries is through increased automation, which requires robust products designed for harsh conditions. Cars must meet very high reliability and safety expectations to give drivers confidence, and that will take ongoing innovation, collaboration and investment.”

To support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected cars must also be able to transmit a gigabyte of information in one second under high-vibration conditions. They also must be able to communicate with their operating environment including other vehicles. TE connects nearly every electrical function in cars – from alternative power systems to infotainment and sensor technologies.

Safety is also one key driver behind rugged connected trucks and off-road vehicles. For example, the United States and the European Union both set rules for passenger and goods-carrying commercial vehicles that limit how many hours a driver can be on the road without rest or breaks. TE provides tamper-proof smart card readers to work with digital tachographs to confirm information on vehicle speed and distance, and driver activities are recorded accurately so regulations can be enforced consistently.

Protecting Planes From Lightning
Meanwhile, 30,000 feet in the air, already highly connected and automated aircraft are becoming even more so. Global airline traffic is expected to double over the next 20 years and keeping aircraft safely separated from each other is becoming more complex. TE is building faster data transfer connections to support more congested airspaces, as well as enhanced connectivity on the ground for upgraded air traffic control systems. Another factor is fuel efficiency. New aircraft have lighter composite material airframes made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, saving fuel. However, those airframes can’t dissipate lightning strikes and electrostatic discharges as well. In response, TE is helping build sophisticated grounding systems to provide sufficient conductivity.

Connecting at Home
The home is considered a hub for connectivity and sensor solutions, and represents the opportunity for consumer product manufacturers to deliver products that are differentiated with new functionality and connectivity. Much of this technology needs to be made more secure and easier for users. According to a June 2016 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper survey, security is the No. 1 priority of a connected home device, followed by price and then ease of installation. TE provides a broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions for home appliances and devices, lighting, HVAC, security, and more, enabling their connectivity and control in the automated home.

Connected Factory
As connectivity comes to factories, both consumers and manufacturers stand to gain. Consumers will benefit from innovative products that come to market faster. Manufacturers will benefit from increased efficiency and greater control over production quality, maintenance and the supply chain. These benefits are being driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) in which machines and processes are connected by electronics, software and sensors, making the smart factory a reality. TE enables the smart factory by introducing high-performance information and communication technologies – products that connect computers, information systems, sensors, relays, robotics, tools, building facilities, materials and products – to each other.

TE understands the challenges and demands for rapid and reliable connectivity, leveraging the power of the company’s expertise across many industries to solve challenges and drive even greater innovation and value for customers.