Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Today’s motorcyclists expect onboard systems that match the connectivity and convenience found in modern cars. No longer satisfied with basic displays, they want intuitive, feature-rich interfaces that enhance each ride.
Motorcyclists are looking for:
- High-resolution touch screen displays
- Smartphone-like user interfaces
- Seamless integration with personal mobile devices
They also desire access to premium features directly from their dashboards, such as:
- Streaming music services
- Voice commands
- GPS navigation tools
Meanwhile, OEMs and riders are driving demand for connected solutions that support:
- Stolen vehicle tracking
- Geofencing
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
Meeting these expectations requires a new kind of instrument panel, one that goes beyond basic digital displays. It calls for smart clusters, a new generation of interactive systems with advanced connectivity and real-time data access. The shift toward more sophisticated, connected dashboards is just beginning.
Elevate Your User Experience
Table of Contents
What Is a Smart Cluster?
A smart cluster is a next-generation instrument cluster. It combines advanced functions with connectivity features, offering an interactive user experience. Smart cluster systems utilize CAN bus and sensor interfaces to connect with vehicle electronics. This integration enables advanced diagnostics and performance monitoring, even when accessed remotely.
The adoption of LCDs allowed manufacturers to add advanced digital features to instrument clusters. Replacing analog gauges with digital displays made the experience more accessible for riders. Smart clusters go beyond display improvements to offer cutting-edge technological functions.
Components of a Typical Smart Cluster
- High-resolution touch screen display: Replaces the traditional non-interactive LCD
- Built-in GNSS: On-screen navigation and live traffic updates
- Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered advanced rider assistance system (ARAS) cameras: Safety innovations, including obstacle detection
- Embedded connectivity: Potential for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® wireless technology and cellular
Smart Cluster Features
Today’s smart clusters are built on a platform designed for future innovation, with scalable hardware and software architectures for:
- ARAS
- Telematics
- Custom applications
Smart clusters transform the rider experience by combining built-in features with enhanced wireless connectivity and embedded GPS. These systems go beyond traditional displays, integrating advanced technologies that support both safety and convenience.
One key feature is ARAS, which uses AI-powered cameras to detect obstacles and trigger alerts. This technology is similar to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles.
For manufacturers and micromobility leaders, next-generation smart clusters unlock new capabilities, including:
- Remote vehicle management
- Enhanced rider safety
- Elevated riding experiences
Modern smart clusters support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Riders enjoy a familiar, smartphone-like interface that mirrors the connected experience found in today’s cars.
Comprehensive Connectivity
Previous systems required a tethered connection to the rider’s smartphone for internet access and app functionality. To eliminate tethering, smart cluster designers are building always-on cellular connectivity into their products.
A built-in cellular module ensures the motorcycle stays constantly connected. This is a crucial feature for micromobility use cases that require 24/7 monitoring.
Always-on connectivity supports advanced features like:
- Remote lock and unlock
- Parental control
- Geofencing
Riders who connect their phones to the display enhance their experience by enabling:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Hands-free calling
- Music streaming
- Voice commands
The smart cluster supports multiconnectivity, offering connection options via:
- Cellular
- Bluetooth technology
- Wi-Fi
5 Advantages of Always-On Connectivity
A powerful smart module provides continuous cellular access, even when the rider and their smartphone are not present. The advantages of a consistent connection for motorcycles include:
1. Security and Theft Protection
Owners receive tampering or towing alerts for their parked motorcycle. When away from the vehicle, they can access unauthorized movement and location data. Manufacturers can update software remotely and add new features as needed.
2. Safety and Emergency Services
Continuous connectivity allows riders to make emergency calls and share their location without a smartphone. Micromobility owners can track driver safety with alerts triggered by behavioral events, such as speed and curfews. They can also track unauthorized movement.
3. Remote Monitoring and Control
Owners can remotely lock or unlock their vehicle and check the battery status. They can also locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot. Micromobility fleet managers can create geofences to keep rental bikes within specific areas. With an always-on cellular connection, the motorcycle is always within reach.
4. Fleet Insights for OEMs and Micromobility
A constant connection allows OEMs to gather insights from operational data. These insights guide predictive maintenance and future updates. The ability to diagnose and analyze mechanical issues remotely reduces the need for in-person service. Micromobility owners receive telematics and tracking data when vehicles are always connected, aiding fleet management.
5. Future-Ready Vehicle-to-Everything
Reliable wireless connectivity is the foundation for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Vehicles use this connection to interact with surrounding systems and pedestrians, enabling analytics and other services. V2X is expected to reduce collisions and improve urban traffic management.
2W Smart Cluster Solution
Telit Cinterion partnered with JMO to create a smart cluster platform for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. JMO, a display manufacturer and solution integrator, focuses on two-wheelers (2W). The 2W smart cluster combines JMO’s display and user interface development with Telit Cinterion’s connectivity expertise.
Intended as a reference to demonstrate a complete, working smart cluster, it combines a waterproof 7-inch touch display with user interface software designed for 2W vehicles. Integration services from JMO and a Telit Cinterion smart module provide support for hardware and software integration. It supports add-ons such as:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Cameras
- ARAS features
At the heart of the 2W solution is the Telit Cinterion SE250B4 series smart module. It’s precertified for cellular connectivity and supports LTE Cat 4, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. The SE250B4 includes an embedded GNSS receiver and advanced operating systems (Linux or Android). Navigation is enabled without reliance on external tethered devices.
Starting with the 2W smart cluster model, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can accelerate development and simplify cellular certification for new products. The solution is suited for all vehicles that do not require automotive-grade components, including:
- Motorcycles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Premium e-bikes
Develop Smart Cluster Solutions with Telit Cinterion
Rider demand for onboard navigation and connectivity is growing. Manufacturers should look for a trusted partner to develop new connected cluster solutions. Telit Cinterion offers design and development reviews and integration consulting. Our precertified hardware and pretesting assistance shorten your time to market.
Ready to accelerate your mobility project? Speak with an expert about our IoT smart module development kit. Experience how the SE250B4 series will enhance your motorcycle design.
Key Takeaways
- Modern motorcyclists demand smart clusters with high-resolution displays and seamless wireless connectivity, similar to those in cars.
- Smart clusters enhance the riding experience by integrating advanced technologies like AI and GPS navigation.
- Always-on connectivity offers advantages such as security alerts, remote control and predictive maintenance.
