Anyone who suggested to Henry Ford that cars would one day receive software updates a hundred years ago would have been hanged at the stake. Worse, burned for being a witch or drawn and quartered. However, that is the reality we now live in.
Technology is revolutionizing the automotive industry. From manufacturing to design, sales, and value, the innovations improve customer experience. Despite many technological advancements, some stand out better than others. Let us examine the trends and the long-term implications for the automotive industry.
Top 6 Technology Transforming the Automotive World
Various trends are shaping the present-day automotive industry. Imagine being able to play free slots in your car during long road trips thanks to a self-driving feature. With this, you have fun without compromising your safety. For more tips on how to improve your chances of winning, check out https://palisadesnews.com/6-dos-and-donts-tips-on-how-to-win-at-slot-machines/. The most prominent innovations rocking the automotive world are:
- Electric vehicles;
- Self-driving cars;
- Smart, connected cars;
- Augmented and virtual realities;
- Advanced driver assistance systems;
- 3D printing.
These innovations have long-term implications for all stakeholders. As a result, we predict an upgrade in the future, not total abandonment. Explore them in detail below.
Electric Vehicles
The global emphasis is shifting to electric cars, especially with the rising trend in sustainability and zero-emission vehicle technology. Unlike traditional cars with internal combustion engines, electric vehicles utilize electric motors for propulsion. As a result, they need to be recharged via an external power source.
Some hybrid vehicles can even run on electric power for a while and switch to a combustion engine later. Renewable energy sources reduce carbon footprint, making them more environmentally friendly. Examples of electric vehicles include:
- Tesla Model 3;
- Nissan Leaf;
- Chevrolet Bolt;
- BMW i3;
- Ford Mustang Mach-E;
- Audi e-tron;
- Hyundai Kona;
- Porsche Taycan.
Electric vehicles have lower operating costs since electricity is cheaper than gas. Not only this, but they offer quick acceleration, a smooth driving experience, and zero tailpipe emission. In the future, electric vehicles will play crucial roles in transitioning to sustainable transportation.
Self-Driving Vehicles
As the name implies, autonomous vehicles operate without human input. The system relies on artificial intelligence, radar, cameras, and sensors to observe their environment and drive. Tesla’s autopilot, Ford’s Blue Cruise, General Motors’ Super Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system are excellent examples. The driving automation ranges from level 0 (no automation) to level 5 (full automation).
Currently, the systems are at level 3 (conditional automation). In other words, the car can handle most driving tasks, but the driver must be ready to intervene when the system requests. Self-driving cars could reduce accidents caused by fatigue, impaired driving, and distraction.
It will also optimize routes, reduce fuel inefficiency, and provide mobility for the disabled and elderly. The key technologies involved are:
- Light detection and ranging, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and radars that detect other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Advanced mapping systems and GPS.
- Vehicle to everything communication.
Smart, Connected Cars
The automotive industry has witnessed a surge in the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence technologies. Examples include machine learning, computer vision, and deep learning. Vehicles are connected to the Internet, so they receive and send data.
Besides, they support different applications, such as remote control and navigation. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication allows vehicles to interact with the cloud (V2C), pedestrians (V2P), infrastructure (V2I), and other vehicles (V2V). Sharing real-time information about road conditions and potential hazards enhances traffic management and safety.
AI learns the driver’s preference and suggests music and routes. It can also analyze data to predict maintenance and reduce the chances of breakdown. Lastly, integrated voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa facilitate hands-free functions while driving.
Augmented and Virtual Realities
Augmented reality overlays digital information and virtual objects onto the real world. Hence, it enhances how drivers perceive their environment. Audi’s heads-up display (HUD) is an example. The technology presents information on the driver’s line of sight so they don’t have to look away to see it. By projecting speed, navigation information, and other data on the windshield, you keep your eyes on the road.
On the other hand, virtual reality is handy in design and prototyping. Engineers interact with 3D models of new designs to identify issues during the project development phase. They also leverage VR to collaborate from different locations, simulate assembly lines, and organize virtual drive tests from anywhere.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
ADAS is not the same as self-driving, although similar. The advanced driver assistance system features technologies that assist drivers in various tasks. For instance, cameras capture a vehicle’s surroundings, allowing better object recognition.
Likewise, sound waves detect objects, monitor nearby vehicles, and measure their speed or distance. Light detection and ranging systems create 3D maps, while ultrasonic sensors detect close objects during parking. The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) alerts the driver via auditory, visual, and haptic feedback. Examples of ADAS in use include:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Blind spot monitoring and detection.
- Traffic sign recognition.
- Parking assistance.
3D Printing
3D printing allows engineers to prototype and produce complex parts quickly and easily. It also reduces production time and cost. It facilitates impressive design customization. Some prototypes can be used for functional testing.
The parts made with 3D printers are optimized for weight and ergonomics, reducing fatigue. Besides manufacturing use, consumers can customize certain parts of their vehicles. For instance, control knobs and dashboard.
Conclusion
The world is changing at an alarming speed, and we’re at the center of it. As far as the automotive industry is concerned, these changes will shape the future. Of course, they are not without their challenges.
The prominent ones include cost, regulation, reliability, and human-machine interaction and integration. Nonetheless, technology has immense potential to revolutionize the automotive industry. As its applications increase, the innovations will drive us into a more connected future.