Toyota Eyes Satellite Tech to Boost Car Connectivity

Toyota is looking at new ways to enhance the connectivity of your car.

Nextcar Bug artThe company is working with Kymeta on flat-panel antenna technology for cars. The idea is to deliver faster speeds and better data accessibility across its fleet of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as satellites can distribute massive amounts of data, expand coverage, and provide more stable connections.

The companies have been testing the tech since 2013, though Toyota is only "considering" the use of satellite tech at the moment. But Kymeta's "flat antennae technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite communications," Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Mondly

That antenna can be mounted flush against a car; no bulky components messing with the design of a vehicle. "Kymeta's satellite antennas remove the need for mechanical components by using software and liquid crystal technologies to electronically track and steer towards satellites," Toyota said. It can also be added to existing cars without sacrificing design.

As part of the deal, Mirai Creation Investment, a venture-capital firm in which Toyota is a partner, invested $5 million in Kymeta this month.

At the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota is displaying a fuel-cell "research" car based on the Mirai that showcases Kymeta's technology.

Toyota introduced the Mirai, its first fuel-cell vehicle, in November 2014. The four-door, mid-size sedan is powered by hydrogen; it can re-fuel in about five minutes, and travels up to 300 miles on a full tank.