Automotive Innovations to Keep an Eye On

Automotive Innovations to Keep an Eye On

Technology has made some radical changes in a number of industries, and the automotive sector has come a long way thanks to the influence of computers, artificial intelligence and other tech influences. While flying cars might still seem to be something out of a science fiction movie, driverless cars and trucks have hit the road all over the U.S. As Patrick James of Trico Group has found, keeping up with the innovation, is crucial to long-term success in the industry. Here are several innovations you can expect to continue trending over the next year.

Using AI for Predictive Maintenance

Rather than waiting on failures or check engine lights to alert a vehicle owner that there is a problem, the use of AI will allow a computer to predict potential defects or impending failures in a device. Historical and real-time data are gathered, and machines are trained to analyze the data to predict when something might happen out of the ordinary. Incorporating this into a preventative maintenance approach leads to a predictive model of fixing or addressing an issue before it becomes one. AI is used in both the manufacturing aspects of automobiles as well as sending maintenance recommendations to vehicle owners.

Using Monitoring to Improve Safety

Distracted or drowsy drivers are dangerous to themselves and other motorists on the road. With tech involvement, a driver’s actions are monitored, and appropriate messaging relayed to the driver in an effort to avoid a disaster. AI is used to monitor in-cabin occupancy, drive positions and driver behaviors. The Driver Behavior Analysis system is able to detect driver drowsiness, distracted driving and emotional or rage driving. The system sends alerts through visuals, sounds, SMS or vibrations to keep the driver alert or send a report of the driver’s behaviors.

The system uses cameras and sensors throughout the car, leading to an analysis of in-cabin occupancy as well. The system can determine if a passenger has been left out on the next part of a journey or left behind when everyone else has exited the vehicle. These same monitors will also assess whether or not the driver is wearing a seatbelt and if the manner and place in which the driver is seated will avoid damage should the airbags be deployed.

Improving Navigation Assistance

The internet of things has been implemented across various industries, and one exciting area of inclusion in the automotive realm is navigation assistance and road condition analysis. IoT devices, whether a smartphone or smartwatch, use AI to determine the conditions of the road while the driver is on them. This real-time information, shared through smartphone applications and delivered to onboard display screens, allows a driver to change the route to work or their destination if construction, road closures or accidents are detected. Alternate routing in real-time can help avoid massive pileups and other serious traffic concerns.

The navigation capabilities of the smartphone apps also make a drive safer. Drivers who are unsure of where they are going or navigating an unfamiliar route are more likely to be distracted and at a higher risk for an accident. Support with up-to-date traffic and road conditions, as well as the best path toward the destination, reduces the risk of an accident.

Receiving Better Updates

Like any other computer-driven device, high-tech vehicles require constant updates to fix bugs or install new versions of an operating system. A remote software management system has made it possible to transmit the needed firmware wirelessly to vehicles. Using a wireless channel such as a GPRS, WiFi or BLE, a vehicle will receive its ECU update through an IoT Cloud server. The exchange could install new firmware or add a patch to update the existing system.

Digitizing the Driver Experience

Modern cars offer a digital cockpit, in which the driver and passengers are connected to the vehicle through their personal devices. The priority of the digital cockpit is to improve driver safety, combining several components into one easy-to-use and access panel. In an in-vehicle infotainment system, there is seamless Bluetooth connectivity, a media player, seat temperature controls and an event manager to keep control of the schedule.

With a connected digital instrument cluster, the driver has access to location tracking, accident or tow-away alerts, turn-by-turn navigation assistance and geofencing. Safety is improved with dash cameras and deep vehicle sensors, and a heads-up display projects real-time data just below the eye level of the driver for use with navigation or driving condition updates. These elements have been programmed to respond through touchless commands, allowing the driver to use hand gestures or simple vocal instructions to engage. All of these elements also operate on a single interface, simplifying the electronics.

Preparing for the Future

The status quo of the automotive industry has been completely altered by the introduction of technology and IoT applications. Though cars have already come a long way from the initial Model T that Henry Ford produced, the transformation is far from complete.

More useful resources for those who spend time on the road: