Sharp Corporation has unveiled its electric vehicle (EV) concept model, the “LDK+,” at the SHARP Tech-Day ’24 “Innovation Showcase.” The LDK+ e-minivan is the result of a collaborative effort with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and Folofly Corporation, aimed at redefining the concept of a vehicle’s interior space. The LDK+ is designed as an “extended living room,” with a strong focus on the time spent in the vehicle while stationary, offering a unique blend of comfort and high-tech integration.
Sharp’s innovative approach incorporates advanced AI technology, dubbed CE-LLM (Communication Edge-Large Language Model). This proprietary AI system operates directly on the vehicle, delivering real-time, natural interactions without reliance on cloud processing for immediate responses. For more complex queries, it seamlessly connects with cloud AI to access detailed information. This, combined with Sharp’s AIoT and sensing technologies, allows the LDK+ to create a personalized, adaptive interior environment that integrates with other living spaces, offering both comfort and energy efficiency.
The design of the LDK+ centers around the user’s lifestyle, particularly during times when the vehicle is stationary. The rear seats are capable of rotating backwards, and when the doors close, liquid crystal shutters on the side windows activate to create a private space. The AI, informed by the user’s preferences gathered from connected home appliances, automatically adjusts settings such as air conditioning and lighting for a customized experience.
At the rear of the vehicle, the LDK+ is equipped with a 65-inch display that can transform the vehicle into various functional spaces, including an immersive theater, a play area for children, or a focused workspace. This large screen can also facilitate seamless communication with family members at home, creating the feeling that they are in the next room. Moreover, the vehicle is equipped with solar panels and a storage battery, allowing it to not only function as a vehicle but also contribute to home energy management. In emergencies, such as a power outage, the stored energy can be used to power the home.
Foxconn’s EV Open Platform: A Key to the LDK+ Innovation
The development of the LDK+ concept was made possible through Foxconn’s EV open platform, which has been a pivotal initiative in the electric vehicle industry. Foxconn, widely known for its role in electronics manufacturing, has expanded its reach into the EV sector through its open platform, designed to streamline the development of electric vehicles by offering a modular system that automakers and tech companies can build upon.
This EV open platform provides a versatile foundation, enabling companies like Sharp to focus on innovative vehicle features such as user experience, AI integration, and smart energy management, without needing to reinvent the technical aspects of electric vehicle infrastructure. The platform offers scalable solutions for batteries, chassis, and electronic components, making it easier for partners to introduce new models to the market faster and with reduced development costs.
Foxconn’s platform has not only accelerated the launch of EVs like the LDK+ but also encouraged a collaborative ecosystem where companies from different industries—such as technology, automotive, and energy—can contribute to a new generation of electric vehicles. The goal is to democratize EV production, allowing companies without deep automotive expertise to bring their own vision to the EV market by leveraging the flexible, modular architecture that Foxconn provides.
