Auto Tech: How Modern Technology is Impacting the Automobile Industry

Friday, August 18, 2017

How Modern Technology is Impacting the Automobile Industry


Today's automobile industry landscape is exciting. Car manufacturers are embedding connectivity and sensor solutions to deliver more in-vehicle services.


Connected infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance systems are two technologies shaping the current car market.

Connected Infotainment Systems

Looking at a car maker's advertisement today, shoppers will likely see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Play listed as a feature. It's become a trend for car models to integrate its embedded system to work with the driver's mobile device operating system. This allows users to tether their smartphone to a vehicle's in-dash display and access its driving-related services hands-free.

CarPlay and Auto Play were designed to meet driver’s connectivity needs - calling, texting, and navigation - with safety as priority. Connected cars not only display large app icons in the central display, it also lets drivers navigate applications through built-in car controls. For example, when a driver connects an iPhone to his vehicle, CarPlay will initiate to work with buttons on a driver's steering wheel. The driver can then conveniently change music preference or dial calls without taking his eyes off the road.

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The most powerful aspect of current Apple CarPlay system is probably Siri. Through Apple Maps, a driver might ask "Siri, where is the nearest EV charging station" and the system will respond with a route and a time estimate. While this feature is likely to be taken for granted, Siri's ability to read, reply, and send messages for the driver is impressive. Apple advertises this convenience very clearly on its website: "Just say 'Siri, tell Blair I'll be there in 20 minutes' and it's done." Android Auto Play has similar capabilities. Technologies like CarPlay and Auto Play are reinforcing safe driving habits while improving driver's infotainment services and driving experience.

ADAS Technology

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is another shifting technology that uses a modern detection and alert system to enhance on-the-road safety. The technology uses sensors, radars, and software to classify nearby objects and sense road conditions. It also monitors in-vehicle health like tire pressure to ensure the car is operating with a safe set of wheels. Companies like All American Discount Tires indicates this is important for a driver's safety and the safety everyone else on the road.

As well, ADAS technology can detect pedestrians, construction signs, and objects at a vehicle's blind spot. Highly advanced systems use complex machine learning algorithms to discern a police car or a taxi and is able to predict the action of other cars. For example, some connected vehicles with ADAS can sense lane changes or know when a car is about to back out from a parking space. This enables safety features like Lane Departure Warning Systems and Electronic Stability Control that let drivers navigate through daily traffic more smoothly than ever. The demand and advancement of ADAS technology is expected to rise and impact future global car markets.

Advancing the Automobile Industry

Modern technology is driving the automobile industry forward in more ways than previously possible. With new solutions like connected devices and advanced sensor systems, new generation vehicles is will provide more comfort, convenience, and safety. Whether it's shifting through a playlist using control buttons on a steering wheel; composing a text message through Siri; or parallel parking with sensor-based assistance; consumers can expect upcoming vehicles to integrate more technological solutions to enhance the driving experience of coming generations.



By  Lizzie WeakleyEmbed

About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. If you are looking at getting a STEM related education, Lizzie suggests that you consider an electrical engineering master’s degree from the University of Ohio.



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