From the results of a 2022 automotive industry forecast study, it is clear that information-centric technologies will play a pivotal role in the future of the sector. There has never been a more opportune time for the sector to adopt new technologies.
Newer technologies like the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain, in addition to more established ones like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data & analytics, find many uses in the automotive industry.
11 Top Automotive Technologies
1) Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
Vehicles that are capable of driving themselves, often known as autonomous vehicles, reduce the need for human drivers and have the potential to revolutionize how people get around. Autonomous vehicle fleets aim to make public transportation comparatively safer, broaden the breadth of last-mile deliveries, and reduce the amount of downtime that occurs. For instance, by minimizing the number of accidents that are caused by drivers being negligent or overly tired. Advanced identification technologies, such as AI-enhanced computer vision, are built into autonomous vehicles (AVs) so that they can identify obstructions along the path.
2. Augmented Reality Cars
In-car displays feed information to AR-enabled dashboards in this system. Using AR, you can avoid a head-on collision if a car is rapidly closing the distance between you. When you get too close to a car, a red box appears to indicate that something is wrong. In addition, it provides directional arrows to help you find the most efficient path down the road. This is designed to keep your mind off the road and on the road.
Top automakers are already planning for a future when drivers can interact with their vehicles using augmented reality. Eventually, these vehicles will be able to use GPS to see what’s in front of the windshield. The windshields of augmented reality vehicles display data and the automobiles offer driving advice.
They can provide information on the make and model of the car in front of you, the degree of road slickness, and the width of the road. As a result, you get to choose your own path through traffic. Augmented reality dashboards will not only display information on windows but will also make it easier to check things like engines. Then, they’ll suggest solutions to the issues identified.
3) 3D Printing in Car Manufacturing
Rapid prototyping is made possible for industrial organizations thanks to the advent of 3D printing. This speeds up the manufacture of automobiles throughout the testing phase as well as during the design phase. The technology of 3D printing allows automobile makers to generate any designs they require. It is a technological advancement that helps reduce the amount of time spent on the production of automobiles.
4) Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic emergency braking is a crucial piece of safety equipment, as demonstrated by the aforementioned use cases. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) applies the brakes automatically when it detects an impending collision, giving you more time to react and possibly reducing the severity of the crash. In fact, AEB can respond even before you apply the brakes, making it safer than ever before. When you engage the brakes, AEB might provide additional force if it determines you need to stop quickly. While automatic emergency braking (AEB) is included in many types of advanced driver assistance systems, it is nonetheless a crucial technology that might be a standalone feature and thus deserves significant emphasis.
By 2023, nearly all new passenger vehicles will include AEB with forward collision warning, per a voluntary effort spearheaded by automakers and backed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These devices are currently commonplace in many vehicles.
5) Automatic Liftgates
Manufacturers heard consumers’ complaints and developed the automatic liftgate, which allows the trunk to be opened without touching the door. To activate the liftgate, simply wave your foot underneath the vehicle; sensors located there will pick up on the motion. Even while it’s a very nice and useful feature overall, it doesn’t always activate on the first kick. Manufacturers have installed proximity sensing technology into the electronic key fob, opening the liftgate as you approach the vehicle to make loading and unloading your belongings even more convenient.
6) Smartphone Integration
Smartphones are getting smarter every day and cars are getting more technologically advanced twice as fast. It makes sense, then, for cell phones and cars to collaborate in order to improve and secure the safety and enjoyment of driving.
The concept of linking a mobile device to a car via a wired USB or wireless Bluetooth connection is not new, but previous implementations were restricted to simple tasks like making phone calls or playing music.
Previously, the capabilities of your smartphone and the car’s computer system were limited, but now, with the addition of Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the many applications designed for an immersive experience, you can do a lot more. You can make and take calls, send and read emails, listen to music or podcasts, find your way to your favourite places, watch movies, and even do your shopping at the push of a button, or even just speak to your device.
We are excited to see what new things we will be able to accomplish with our smartphones and linked vehicles as technology continues to improve.
7) Using cars with body panels that store energy
And they carry a problem with them, too. Since lithium-ion batteries are both heavy and bulky, driving the vehicle is challenging.
Therefore, researchers are trying to find technological solutions to this problem. Using cars with energy-storage body panels is a fantastic approach to cut costs in both of these areas.
These panels will serve the same purpose as the bulky batteries, but take up considerably less room. 15% of the vehicle’s mass is eliminated after the energy-storing body panels are installed.
The carbon resin and polymer fibre in the panels will allow for a far quicker charging rate than traditional automotive batteries. These components are durable enough for automobiles. During the night, you can charge them by plugging them into this panel; during the day, you can charge the vehicle. Furthermore, the energy storage panels can be charged by regenerative braking. This new concept aims to reduce fuel consumption by making vehicles smaller and lighter.
You might have to sell your current vehicle if you want to get a brand-new one with the latest features.
8) Vehicle Tracking Software
With one of these systems installed in your car, truck, or SUV, the police will be able to locate your vehicle much more quickly and with greater accuracy, potentially saving your vehicle from extensive damage. If a car is stolen, OnStar can be used to remotely apply the brakes and prevent the engine from being restarted.
Systems like Subaru Starlink, Kia UVO, Hyundai Blue Link, and GM OnStar include stolen vehicle-tracking technology. This capability is available from multiple OEMs.
But it’s useful for more than just protecting your vehicle from theft. These systems can also be used to help get help to you after an accident has occurred by locating your vehicle precisely. You can use the same geolocation data to check on an elderly relative who might be in danger or to track down your teen driver in the event of a national disaster.
9) Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Technology that improves the human-machine interface makes it easier for drivers to engage with their vehicles. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a voice-activated device that provides drivers with input from their vehicles.
This assists you in controlling certain aspects of your vehicle. For instance, virtual assistants make it possible for drivers to communicate with their vehicles and the companies that supply services.
In addition to this, they assist the driver in maintaining lane discipline and avoiding potential collisions. The utilization of technological advancements such as augmented reality and smart cameras makes this a realizable goal. When making turns and driving safely through bends and crossroads, such cameras are helpful since they allow drivers to see what is not apparent in their car mirrors.
10) Biometric Seat Capabilities
The driver’s personal experience in a car can be enhanced by the presence of biometric seat capabilities. For instance, a biometric seat in the cabin of a 2022 Toyota Tundra can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the driver.
This technology gathers information from the driver’s face as well as their hands. This information monitors the driver’s anxiety levels and provides guidance regarding appropriate break times. This not only helps prevent weariness but also improves a driver’s performance when they are out on the road.
11) Voice Recognition
Voice recognition has developed greatly and is now regarded as one of the most cutting-edge technological advances in the automotive sector. While the voice-recognition Bentley feature from the 2009 film 2012 may have seemed like science fiction at the time, the technology is now a reality. Mobile phone use while driving is a leading cause of car accidents, but this new technology makes it unnecessary.
Voice recognition allows drivers to perform a wide variety of tasks, including making and receiving calls, reading and responding to texts, accessing navigation, using multimedia features like playing music or films, and even starting the car (only a few select models). Although the technology is still maturing, it will greatly benefit from the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Bottom Line
Many new technologies are now available, and they will help the auto sector reach new heights. Some examples are autonomous vehicles, virtual reality dashboards, energy-storage panel cars, and linked smart vehicles.
These advancements in automotive technology enhance passenger security and comfort. Researchers are going all out to find ways to improve your automobile rides.