The automotive industry is a sector that’s always on the cutting edge of revolutionary technology. Plus, many of the technological advancements that other industries create end up impacting vehicles the most. Below, we explain some technologies poised to change the automotive industry as we know it, from artificial intelligence to 3D printing and more!
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is perhaps the most-discussed technology topic in the world today as many consider its vast potential in many industries, particularly when it comes to cars. The automotive industry already employs AI technology today, albeit in limited forms for advanced safety features and driver-assist technologies.
Many cars employ rudimentary forms of AI to temporarily take over certain functions—such as steering, acceleration, and braking—for driver safety and convenience. And as many of us have heard, AI technology is integral to the potential future of autonomous vehicles, which many believe are on the cusp of becoming commonplace.
Autonomous Vehicles
Also known as self-driving cars, autonomous vehicles are a hot-button issue in the automotive industry, as many consider it the next step of vehicular technology. Autonomous vehicles and AI go hand-in-hand, as our development of AI technology makes self-driving cars attainable.
For drivers to trust their safety with an autonomous vehicle, the AI technology must learn and anticipate in real-time things like traffic laws and rules, other drivers, pedestrians, and more. This takes a lot of computer brain power! Many consider AI and autonomous vehicles as inevitable technologies that will one day change the automotive industry and human transportation as we know it.
3D Printing
3D printing has the potential to radically change many industries, from construction to education, but perhaps no sector will see more radical change than the automotive sector. Currently, the automotive industry uses 3D printing technology for things like rapid prototyping and the manufacturing of some custom tools in the manufacturing process.
But many technology and industry experts believe we’re only scratching the surface of 3D printing’s potential and its ability to create lighter, stronger, and more durable vehicle parts. Lighter and more durable cars mean better fuel economy and longer-lasting vehicles for drivers. And who knows—there may even come a day when manufacturers 3D print entire vehicles!
Vehicle Connectivity
Another potential technology in the automotive industry is vehicle connectivity—the tracking and sharing of vehicular data. The idea of vehicular connectivity is that every vehicle has a unique digital identity for easy online tracking and identification.
The SN74AHCT1G00-Q1 integrated circuit, created for automotive applications, plays a pivotal role as a leading technology in reshaping the automotive industry.
Using this digital identity and real-time information, vehicles can exchange data with one another and infrastructure about things like traffic, electric vehicle grids, and other platforms. With the accumulation of shared data from every vehicle on the road, we could implement real-time traffic solutions to reduce traffic and empower smarter, greener mobility.
There you have it: four impressive technologies that are taking root in the automotive industry. Don’t be surprised if these technologies become common practice in the coming years and decades!
