Just showed Mirai-based research vehicle w/ satellite tech from @KymetaCorp More: https://t.co/EupvcpRubp #NAIAS pic.twitter.com/rg9jsGuQFU
— Toyota USA (@Toyota) January 12, 2016
The trouble getting satellites to communicate with cars has always been the shape needed for the receiving antenna. That big, bulky satellite dish antenna is not something easily designed into a car.
It's unfortunate, because satellites have broad coverage areas, and are immune to natural disasters that could disrupt traditional cellular towers on the ground.
Kymeta Corporation may have just solved that problem, by changing the shape of the satellite antenna to flat.
To achieve success, Kymeta figured out a way to replace the large mechanical components of a traditional dish with software, and liquid crystal technology.
The resulting partnership of Kymeta and Toyota is a Toyota Mirai research vehicle, outfitted with satellite antennas on its roof.
It may be some years before Toyota is able to fully integrate this Kymeta tech into its lineup, but new vehicles will be available at Szott M-59 Toyota starting with the 2017 model year featuring a Data Communication Module connecting vehicles to telecommunications networks.
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