International Consumer Electronics Show is a yearly event that showcases technological development in different fields. Since the past five years, the automotive sector has been stealing the show with their progressive ideas.
At a global level, the automobiles are becoming more attractive than ever. After a cyclical downturn of bankruptcies and restructurings in 2008-09, the industry has finally entered a new realm. Exciting new technologies are powering the vehicles. We have impressive power train systems, advanced driver assistance tools, maintenance monitoring,and mobile connectivity.
There are plenty of factors that predict how technologies in the automobileindustry will continue to grow making the vehicles more sophisticated and affordable. Tech companies are investing heavily in the industry. Each manufacturer shows keen determination to stay ahead of the curve and secure their future stakes in the industry.
With that said, there is a vivid change in the attitude of car buyers too. People are ready to accept the challenges of the industry. They are willing to give a shot to the new technologies and reap their benefits. Smartphone integrations and safety enhancements lead this year’s list of tech options that car shoppers should consider.
For further enlightenment, here is a list of the coolest car technologies of the year 2020:
- Mirrorless cars
Automakers aim to replace the rear-view and side-view mirrors with monitoring cameras. They will use cameras to stream high-resolution video inside the vehicle. As compared to the traditional mirrors, these cameras will provide lower aerodynamic drag, wider views, and digital image enhancements.
The BMW i8 concept car shows how the camera is at the position of the side-view mirrors. These are smaller in size and capture footage from the surroundings.Software in the vehicle then integrates all the videos to show a wide view of the car’s surroundings.
It tends to overcome the issue of blind spots and makes the car more aerodynamic. - Apple Car play and Android Auto
Many vehicles are now providing an enhanced way of connecting the smartphone to the infotainment screen. The drivers can use apps, access contacts and play music on the car screen. The best use of this integration is that it allows the driver to use navigation apps.
The connection is wireless and free of hassles. - Head up display
Japan’s Sekisui Chemical Head up laminates the windshield with a film that is made up of light-reactive material. It presents the data in an automobile without requiring the user to move their eyes from their usual viewpoints.
It has a dash-mounted laser projector to activate the material. The things that it displays include navigation instructions, windshield alerts,and vehicle speed. The arrangementcombines with the driver assistance system.
The full-windshield HUD can point out wildlife, pedestrians and other hazards that may come on the road. - Wireless charging
Keeping track of those charging cords is one tough job. However, smartphone manufacturers are now offering their users to connect their phones to the vehicle charging station without using wires.
Automakers like Honda, Ford, and Toyota took note of this development. They are offering a standard or optional feature to charge your device with wireless systems. It is normally present in the centre console.
Keep in mind that the structure only works when the vehicle and the phone have wireless systems. One has to be careful in checking out the vehicle functionswhenthey buy cars online or through a traditional dealership. - Underground data mining
The high frequency, ground-penetrating radar by WaveSense reads the unique pattern of subterranean pipes and rocks. It operates like a fingerprint that helps the vehicle to understand itsexact location. It is an invention of MIT. The US military first used it in Afghanistan.
The competitive edge of this technology makes it apt for highly automated vehicles. It will allow cars to collaborate with underground maps rather than relying on over-the-ground landmarks. The system works in all kinds of conditions making it more efficient. - Attention disruptive system
Attention monitoring systems tend to be annoying. The whole point of these technologies is to keep the driver’s eye on the road. One example of this system is Subaru’s Driver Focus. It uses an infrared camera to figure out where the driver is looking.
If you look away at some point for more than three seconds, the system starts to ring a bell or chimes for your attention. If the driver still does not pay attention, the automotive system compels the vehicle to slow down and stop. - High strength, low weight materials
Cars should be lighter in weight if they seek to achieve greater mileage and lower emissions. The comforts that a customer demands within the vehicle is what makes the vehicle heavy.
A solution to this problem is that manufacturers should seek for lighter body components. Allite’s new Super Magnesium promotes the wide use of lighter materials. It is lighter than Aluminium in terms of volume and stronger in weight.
The cost is 20 to 35 percent higher than Aluminium, but the company hopes that process improvements and bulk manufacturing will reduce the prices. The metal can cast, forge or extrude for applications that range from body components to suspended parts. - Semi-autonomous driving
Certain autonomous driving features can compensate for human error to become more common. We are still years away from a vehicle that can drive itself without any human input. We can benefit from certain apps and auto features that will lift the burden off a driver’s shoulder.
The Cadillac’s Super Cruise system is one such example. It can pilot the vehicle at zero to 85 miles per hour. The driver can take their hands off the wheel in this range. Tesla and other models are also producing different versions of this tech.
The modifying behaviors on the part of drivers and manufacturers make us hopeful for the future. In the meantime, the industry will go through certain challenges. But persistence and constant research will soon open up great avenues for the sector.