Technology has helped the automotive industry improve safety, comfort and fuel efficiency. Now, car manufacturers are partnering with major technology companies to develop cars that are like large smart devices.

These upcoming technologies include onboard sensors, connectivity, electric vehicles and mobility fleet sharing. These innovations will propel the automotive industry into the future.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the most important areas in automotive technology is systems that directly address crashes or a potential for a crash. These are called collision avoidance systems and they utilize on-vehicle radars, cameras, and sensors to identify situations that could lead to a collision. They then warn the driver, take over an operational aspect of the vehicle (such as braking), or both.

Many advanced in-vehicle technologies require manual input from the driver, which can be distracting and increase the risk of a crash. To mitigate this, a number of voice activated control systems have been developed to allow the driver to interface with in-vehicle technologies without having to use their hands. These include lane departure warning/mitigation systems; curve speed warning systems; and intelligent speed adaptation systems.

Another advanced in-vehicle technology is the adaptive cruise control system, which allows a driver to set a preferred headway and uses a forward mounted sensor to detect traffic ahead of the vehicle. The system then interfaces with the throttle to adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a set headway distance from vehicles ahead (de Winter et al. 2014).

Other advanced in-vehicle technologies include hybrid and electric powertrains that combine the efficiency of an internal combustion engine with the environmental benefits of electricity. These systems can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% while maintaining performance.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a crucial technology in automotive R&D. It enhances subsystem performance and allows manufacturers to identify failure patterns and establish correlations between them. It also aids in identifying region-specific factors that impact vehicle reliability, such as variations in fuel quality, climate, road infrastructure, and more.

It is being used for predictive maintenance and enables automakers to offer their customers more convenient service, reduce downtime, and cut costs. For example, top automotive companies are progressively equipping their vehicles with intelligent software that monitors driver fatigue to prevent accidents and other unpleasant driving experiences. In the future, drivers might be able to purchase and download software upgrades and features wirelessly, transforming their car into a personalized mobility device that adapts to their needs and preferences.

ML is also helping to streamline the supply chain process by efficiently managing data from multiple sources. This technology makes it easier for companies to track and manage inventory, improve sourcing decisions, and maximize efficiency in production and assembly lines. It also helps manufacturers respond quickly to demand fluctuations, making it easier to optimize processes and minimize waste.

ML can also improve the efficiency of logistics and distribution by analyzing data on routes, traffic, and fuel consumption to create more optimized and cost-effective solutions. This technology is reducing carbon emissions and saving money for consumers.

Predictive Vehicle Technology

Predictive vehicle technology is a growing market in the automotive industry. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to recognize the driver’s habits and patterns. It also helps in detecting any potential problems before they become serious issues. This can help you avoid costly repairs and save fuel.

Automakers are incorporating predictive vehicle technologies in vehicles to enhance safety and efficiency. These systems can monitor a vehicle’s status and warn the driver if it is in danger of crashing into something. It can even detect when the driver is drowsy or distracted and alert them to take action.

In addition, this technology can help improve fuel economy by analyzing driving patterns and traffic conditions to suggest the best routes for drivers. This will not only save money for the driver but will also help reduce pollution and emissions.

The demand for technologically advanced cars is driving the global predictive vehicle technology market. This includes advanced driver assistance systems, electric vehicle (EV) technology, and 360-degree cameras. These features are becoming more popular among car owners due to their increased safety and convenience.

The passenger cars segment accounted for the largest share of the predictive vehicle technology market in 2022. The increasing popularity of new-generation passenger cars with various ADAS features is driving the market growth. Moreover, the emergence of self-driving cars is creating opportunities for the industry. This technology can improve traffic flow and provide mobility to physically challenged people.

Autonomous Vehicles

A full transition to autonomous vehicles (AVs) could reduce the number of crashes, decrease road congestion, and make commutes safer and more productive. But it will take time for AVs to reach the roads, and some experts think that we’re 30 or 50 years away from seeing them on the streets.

AVs have numerous sensors, which allow them to detect their surroundings and understand the road. Radars track other cars and objects, video cameras read traffic lights and street signs, and Lidar senses distances, lane markings and other anomalies like pits or holes in the road. Sophisticated software then processes all of this information and sends instructions to actuators, which control vehicle movement including steering, acceleration and braking. Hard-coded rules, predictive modeling and obstacle avoidance algorithms help the software follow traffic laws and maneuver around obstacles.

ADAS features like lane departure warnings, parking assist and adaptive cruise control already incorporate many of these technologies. However, these systems require an engaged and fully present driver. For example, a Tesla model X crashed into a highway divider because the driver was using autopilot and didn’t have their hands on the wheel. As a result, some experts argue that these systems can’t be considered fully autonomous. However, other experts point to the potential societal benefits of these systems. For example, they would increase mobility for people with disabilities and seniors, as well as open up new job opportunities.