First International Computer, Inc.
Steering the Future of Mobility with Augmented Reality and 5G Connectivity

Driven by the increasing demand for connected, efficient, and safe vehicles, the automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation. The emergence of smart cars has been characterized by a convergence of technologies, creating the need to develop innovative autonomous driving systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications.

One of the leading companies ushering the new era of smart cars is First International Computer Inc. (FIC), a Taiwanese company that provides a comprehensive range of automotive electronics solutions for autonomous vehicles. The company designs and manufactures components such as electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and actuators.

“We are the first to propose a laser as the original light source, marking a seismic change of augmented reality in the automotive sector,” said Alex Dee, the GM of FIC Future Innovative Department.

The company enhances the driving experience with its ‘Autometaverse’ concept—an automotive metaverse that integrates augmented reality to project essential driving information onto the windshield. This innovation is powered by FIC’s pioneering use of laser beam scanning (LBS) technology in augmented reality headup display (AR HUD) systems. Unlike traditional LED sources that only project images a few meters ahead, FIC’s technology uses a compact projector to cast transparent images directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to access information and navigation without obstructing their view of the road.

The non-wearable system, designed to enhance driving safety and convenience, consists of an LBS-based projector, a specially treated windshield that optimizes image visibility even under bright sunlight, a control unit, and a sophisticated software system.

The control unit, which orchestrates the functionality of the projector, integrates data from the vehicle’s sensors and external inputs, like the navigation system, to dynamically display relevant information. The software system harnesses data from multiple sources, including vehicle diagnostics, GPS, and the internet, to deliver real-time content to the driver, ensuring that the most pertinent information is always at the forefront.

FIC's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) elevates the standard of driving safety with features like lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and parking assistance. The system's foundation on a high-performance processor and a deep learning platform enables it to manage complex scenarios and process extensive data, providing seamless driver support.

The firm’s innovative bottom-up approach to automotive electric solutions has empowered it to develop the V2X communication module, a cornerstone for 5G automobile connectivity. It facilitates seamless data exchange between vehicles and urban infrastructure, significantly improving the safety, efficiency, and user experience in autonomous driving. FIC’s V2X module’s ability to capitalize on the low latency and high reliability of 5G networks makes it indispensable for real-time decision-making and coordination, which are crucial for avoiding accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

The challenges that FIC addresses with these solutions are multifaceted. Besides enhancing real-time communication and reliability, its systems are designed to manage the voluminous data generated by 5G autonomous vehicles, using advanced machine learning and powerful computational capabilities. This capacity for complex data processing is critical as it aligns with the need for edge and cloud computing, optimizing performance and efficiency across the board.

FIC's dedication to innovation extends beyond automotive electronics to smart city solutions. Its smart city initiatives aim to modernize urban infrastructure, addressing needs such as traffic management, lighting, and parking with a focus on sustainability.

Over the past 14 years, FIC's journey has been a testament to resilience and strategic foresight, especially in penetrating the traditional automotive sector. Recognizing the conservative nature of established automotive OEMs, FIC has made a decisive investment in a complete car design enterprise in Germany, marking a significant leap in collaboration with OEMs. This bold move reflects its dedication to innovation and its deep understanding of the OEMs' future needs. Its unwavering commitment to quality, and customer-centric solutions positions it as a leading provider of automotive electronics and smart city solutions. As it inches closer to its goal, it is optimistic about solidifying its role as a key contributor to a smarter, more connected future.