The automotive industry continues to be a hotbed of innovation, with activity driven by factors such as the general development of technology and information influencing IoT innovation, and growing importance of technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) solutions that are increasing the functionality of IoT devices more successfully than via the internet. In the last three years alone, there have been over 1.2 million patents filed and granted in the automotive industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Internet of Things in Automotive: Hands-free calling system. Buy the report here.
However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilising and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
290+ innovations will shape the automotive industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the automotive industry using innovation intensity models built on over 619,000 patents, there are 290+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, smart car seats, tyre sensors, and predictive maintenance systems are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Acoustic vehicle signalling devices, brake temperature monitoring, and autonomous parking are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are disc brake actuators and AI-assisted dimming, which are now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for IoT in the automotive industry

Hands-free calling system is a key innovation area in IoT
A handsfree calling system can explained as a device or technology that eliminates or reduces the need to use hands and instead works using other ways such as voice commands. The wireless technology employed by devices that are generally used for hands-free communication is Bluetooth. To make a call, a smartphone or other gadget is also needed. These gadgets consist of Bluetooth headphones, hands-free automobile kits, and portable navigation systems (PND).
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 60+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established automotive companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of hands-free calling system.
Key players in hands-free calling system – a disruptive innovation in the automotive industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of different applications identified for each relevant patent and broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of different countries each relevant patent is registered in and reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to hands-free calling system
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Bose is one of the leading patent filers in hands-free calling system. Bose has recently launched an advanced technology of SeatCentric Call Placement concept. Drivers will be able to speak more privately thanks to Bose SeatCentric Call Placement technology, and passengers will experience uninterrupted entertainment audio playing. Other key patent filers in hands-free calling system for the automotive industry are Samsung Group, Panasonic, Pioneer, and Porsche Automobil Holding.
To further understand how IoT is disrupting the automotive industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Internet of Things (IoT) in Automotive.
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