DENSO, a pioneering mobility supplier, announced it has invested in Lambda:4, a German company that develops wireless positioning technologies for short-range applications using Bluetooth Low Energy.
The investment will strengthen DENSO’s passive digital key, increasing its location accuracy and user authentication capabilities. This improves safety and security for those using the key on smart devices to enter a vehicle.
Passive digital keys
Passive digital keys allow approved users to connect their smart devices, such as smartphones
Passive digital keys allow approved users to connect their smart devices, such as smartphones, to vehicles without the user ever having to touch a button or open an app.
Through the passive digital key, a car can identify when an approved user is approaching; when the approved user is at the car door, unlocking it; and when the approved user is inside, enabling ignition. For this sequence to progress seamlessly, it is critical for the vehicle to be able to quickly identify and authenticate an approved user and pinpoint their location in and around the car.
Increase DENSO’s innovation
Lambda:4’s expertise, perfected in producing localization systems for avalanche search and rescue missions, will rapidly increase DENSO’s innovation in localization systems.
"As much of society goes digital, we are building a connected ecosystem that bridges the gap between consumer and automotive technologies,” said Ron Schubert, Director of Body Electronics Systems at DENSO, adding “We believe that personalized passive access to vehicles, owned by individuals or deployed in shared fleets, will help make road travel more convenient, secure and enjoyable for commuters.”
latest development in DENSO’s work
DENSO has become a pioneer in the space, often going the micro-locating version of its key
The investment is the latest development in DENSO’s work with passive digital keys, which goes back to 2012, when it began developing the technology.
Since then, DENSO has become a pioneer in the space, continually advancing the micro-locating performance of its solution. In 2017, the company acquired InfiniteKey, further expanding the key’s functionality. DENSO’s integrated key is now on the road.
New mobility areas
“Our goal at DENSO is to create products and technologies that enhance mobility and meet our partners’ needs, helping them deliver seamless and user-friendly experiences to their customers,” said Tony Cannestra, Director of Corporate Ventures at DENSO.
Tony Cannestra adds, “We are pleased to forge ahead with this investment not only despite the coronavirus pandemic, but because it will help us develop safer transportation solutions during it. We continue to focus on new mobility areas and potential partners, particularly in connectivity and autonomy, who can help us address transportation needs of today and beyond.”
Core positioning system technology
Lambda:4 has accrued more than 15 years of experience and patents in ranging
A pioneer in phase-based ranging technology, Lambda:4 has accrued more than 15 years of experience and patents in ranging and positioning technologies used in complex multi-pathing environments.
Now, as a pioneer in core positioning system technology and intellectual property, the company is poised to capitalize on the expanding need for location-aware solutions.
Research and development efforts
“Digitizing the world is an ongoing trend. By using standard Bluetooth chipsets, our technology offers a low-cost, universal way to enable location-aware applications, like passive access and digital keys,” said Rönne Reimann, CEO of Lambda:4, adding “We are thrilled to have DENSO at our side to share the same vision about a world with seamless access – be it your car, a hotel or your home.”
As part of the company’s Second Founding, DENSO is committed to boosting its research and development efforts by expanding into new mobility areas where it sees opportunities to make transportation more efficient, safer, and sustainable for all.
