The automotive industry has evolved significantly in the past decades, shaping the future of driving as a seamless experience. We witnessed the introduction of navigation systems and enhanced safety features that decreased the possibility of accidents, making driving pleasant and achievable as a skill for more people.
Unfortunately, all these developments came with additional problems. Modern cars struggle with fuel economy, for example, because engines are linked with air filters, O2 sensors, and mass air flow sensors, which reduce efficiency. At the same time, a car’s battery must be replaced every five years nowadays as its mileage doesn’t last that long anymore.
With this in mind, we’re expecting the latest technological buzzword, AI, to take over the automotive industry and solve all our problems. Although we don’t know how cars will look in the future, we know that these AI-based technologies will contribute to their rise.
Today’s drivers are no strangers to autonomous driving, especially with Tesla reaching the second level of automation out of the six known already. Still, we’ve peaked at the third level in cars provided by Mercedes-Benz, so we can say we’re not far from full automation. Here’s what every level means:
- Level zero is fully manual;
- Level one has driver assistance features:
- Level two employs the car to perform steering and acceleration;
- Level three lets the car perform most driving tasks but with human control;
- Level four makes the human override optional;
- Level five requires no human attention or interaction while driving;
AI-based autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic congestion, cut transportation costs and reduce urban CO2 emissions since most cars are designed with the environment in mind. However, their development poses numerous challenges in terms of weather conditions and accident liability.
For instance, Tesla’s autopilot has already been found responsible for 13 fatal crashes in the US, meaning they’re still not safe for the road. Unfortunately, these features can hurt innocent people involved in a traffic collision, in which case they can file for a personal injury claim.
AI infotainment
The introduction and innovation of entertainment and information available within the driving experience may be one of the most critical factors, as it allows drivers and passengers to better their long drives and traffic experiences.
Large monitors, digital instruments, and augmented reality screens are already found in numerous vehicle brands, but the use of AI will bring new things. Advanced voice assistance, for example, could help drivers focus on the road while receiving help audibly. At the same time, AI will be able to learn one’s musical preferences and evolve playlist recommendations.
AI and voice assistants could work with natural language processing (NLP) features, which allow them to respond to drivers’ voice commands. Volkswagen has recently tested the introduction of ChatGPT into some of its newest models.
AI vehicle monitoring
Monitoring vehicle health is a great way to prevent expensive repairs, as you can identify issues early on. At the same time, it can increase the vehicle’s operational efficiency and reduce downtime. These monitoring capabilities include collecting data about the car and creating custom alters on various parameters.
With AI, monitoring your car’s health becomes easier and more accessible since it performs constant check-ups and identifies issues that can impede your driving experience. Your AI system can check the condition of the battery, brake pad, and mechatronic components and place them in one cloud document, where you receive a comprehensive analysis.
AI vehicle monitoring is helpful for:
- Personalised predictive maintenance;
- Early anomaly detection;
- Reduced environmental impact;
- Warnings on signals of failure;
- Fewer maintenance costs;
AI satellite navigation
Car satellite navigation is one of the best car features, as it allows you to get anywhere with precision maps and accurate descriptions of the road ahead. At the same time, it helps you be up-to-date with the current traffic situation, offering alternative routes to save time and fuel.
With the help of AI, modern GPS devices can recalculate routes as soon as the weather conditions or traffic changes. This option can also help optimise your battery life by planning charging stops and ensuring it’s at its optimum performance.
AI advancements in satellite navigation can also:
- Collect real-life traffic data;
- Predict routes based on previous drives;
- Forecast delays;
- Alter drivers of potential hazards;
Still, challenges of satellite navigation include the availability of positioning information and the coverage of satellites.
AI-connected vehicles
We’re so used to being connected to the world through our vehicles, but what if our cars could communicate with others in the traffic? This idea isn’t that far from being implemented, as IoT (Internet of Things) might allow autonomous vehicles to exchange valuable information about the presence of obstacles or the anticipation of red lights.
The technology will be known as V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) and will allow automobiles to connect and be wary of each other. Using internet connectivity, remote operation, and security functions, V2V will enable data transmission through GPS, over-the-air software, and external apps.
But that’s not all. Once the technology evolves, vehicles will be able to connect with infrastructures as well, sending or receiving data on accidents or weather conditions. A more evolved version of these features is the vehicle-to-everything (V2X), which combines different types of connectivity so drivers receive valuable data.
The technology can enhance driving safety by reducing the chances of vehicles colliding since drivers collect information about the parking space availability in an area or the traffic movements so they can update their driving and plans.
What do you think about the vehicle of the future?
Our driving experiences changed so much in recent years as we rely more on technology. But since roads have become safer and driving is more intuitive, we can say that technological developments are worth trying. That’s why we’re excited for further introductions of gadgets and innovative software powered by artificial intelligence that will offer us thorough reports about the road ahead of us and provide chatbots that can do everything for us.