The automotive industry has advanced in leaps and bounds over recent years. Not only is this excellent news in terms of economic progress, but a handful of innovations will soon be enjoyed by the average driver. Let us take a quick look at some of the most impressive emerging technologies.
Hands-Free Parking
One of the most interesting (and practical) advancements comes in the form of an automated parking system. A series of ultrasonic sensors is employed to gauge distances between the vehicle and nearby objects (such as other cars or kerbs). It is therefore possible to negotiate spaces that might be challenging for the average driver. These smart “valets” provide an additional level of safety and convenience; both attractive benefits to any vehicle owner.
3D Printed Car Parts
Recent studies predict that the global automotive 3D printing sector is expected to be worth in excess of $7.9 billion dollars by 2027. There are several reasons behind this impressive paradigm shift. Firstly, 3D printed parts can be created quickly and at a fraction of the cost associated with traditional manufacturing techniques.
The use of cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber will provide parts that are strong, lightweight and resistant to corrosive elements. It will also be possible to manufacture custom accessories (such as those associated with antique vehicles) that might otherwise be nearly impossible to obtain.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is yet another sector that should enjoy a significant amount of growth in the coming years. This strategy involves the ability to proactively monitor the condition of a vehicle in order to determine when maintenance may be warranted. The primary goal here is to mitigate small issues before they evolve into more complicated problems.
Furthermore, predictive maintenance can be used by fleets of vehicles so that issues such as downtime and lost revenue can be avoided. Experts observe that value of this sector should reach a staggering $73.67 billion dollars by 2027.
Cloud-Based Data Sharing
Interestingly enough, this technology is already present within the automotive sector. Perhaps the most well-known example involves the use of global positioning system (GPS) software to alert drivers of traffic conditions and to illustrate the most efficient route to a destination.
However, it will soon be possible to pool this information within cloud-based databases so that it can be shared and updated within real-time scenarios. This should provide more accurate updates and ultimately, enable drivers to choose from a host of navigational options. Such flexibility is particularly beneficial in terms of long-distance logistics and commercial transport solutions.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is likewise enjoying a more prominent role in the world of automotive technology. One particularly useful application involves how it may be used to monitor the actions of drivers. Here are some of the metrics which can be analyzed within real-time scenarios:
- The speed of the vehicle.
- Whether or not the driver is observing traffic laws.
- The last time the driver took a break.
It may even be possible for AI-powered systems to take control of a vehicle in the event that the driver appears to have become incapacitated. We should nonetheless note that artificial intelligence is not slated to replace drivers, but rather to help ensure their safety.
These are some of the most interesting technological advancements that should make their presence known in the coming years. It will be intriguing to see what the future has in store.
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