By 2035, industry experts predict that there will be 76 million self-driving cars. The report by Market and Market Research, says these smart automobiles will be powered by sensors, AI, and software. Obviously, you’ve heard about hybrid and electric innovations, augmented reality dashboards, touchscreen navigation displays, and biometric keylocks. Ever wondered why automotive brands are on the rush to infuse these technologies in automobiles? Aside from strict regulations on emissions, there’s a surging demand for safety, production cost reduction, and better fuel economy. And tech offers the solutions. So, unlike before when people just focused on an automobile’s color, design, or model, consumers are keen on what technology a car has. Are the innovations good enough to make the driving experience safe and green? This post highlights 3 car tech innovations and how they transform transport.
Cars Running on AI
Can you have a conversation about vehicle tech without mentioning artificial intelligence? It’s impossible. It’s a regular part of automobiles and it makes them function intelligently. One of the popular applications of AI in automobiles is the advanced driver assistant system or ADAS, where it functions as the vehicle’s brain. Powered by AI algorithms, the ADAS collects real-time info about the driving environment from sensors and cameras to identify potential risks and take action. For example, it can analyze a driver’s driving habits and apply brakes or stop the vehicle if it detects driver fatigue or incorrect steering. Infotainment and navigation systems are also getting smarter, as AI-powered virtual assistants don’t offer basic voice commands. Their interactions are more intuitive and human-like. You can even ask your car for the shortest route to your destination or to adjust climate settings automatically.
Lightweighting Automobiles
What are automakers doing to make transport eco-friendly amid growing sustainability campaigns? Simple. They are lightweighting. This move entails using innovative lightweight materials for vehicle parts to reduce mass. A Global Market Insights report reveals that reducing 10% of a vehicle’s weight improves fuel economy by 7% to 8%. One of the innovative materials used is titanium. This metal might be lighter than stainless steel, but it’s strong, and resistant to corrosion and heat.
Because of its low density, this metal makes cars more fuel efficient and green as they require less energy to move. Its unique nature makes it perfect for making the exhaust, suspension systems, and engine parts. Using quality titanium sheets, pipes, and wires sourced from reliable sources like TMS Titanium, for instance, ensures car components last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Other noteworthy light materials are carbon fiber reinforced polymers, glass fibers, and high-strength steel, magnesium, and aluminium.
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)
For decades, the functionality of automobiles was linked to physical parts and embedded systems. So, when your ride needed updates, you would go to an auto shop for the mechanics to do it. Modern cars work like smartphones, meaning they improve after purchase. The navigation platforms, energy efficiency, and control modes become better through software updates. That’s what software-defined vehicles do. It controls, enhances, and updates internal car systems. For SDV to work effectively, it needs modular software architecture and centralized computing solutions, which enable OTA or over-the-air updates. How does OTA come to play? It allows automakers to provide new features, safety and performance improvements, and updates through software, even remotely.
Who can ignore the transformations in passenger cars and commercial trucks? AI, for instance, enhances comfort, safety, predicts maintenance, and even influences smart designs in vehicles. There’s software-defined vehicles that enable automatic updates and lightweighting, which makes automobiles sustainable, smarter, and efficient.
