The automotive world is changing faster than ever. It’s no longer simply a matter of faster engines and sleeker designs — now it’s all about how intelligent, connected, and efficient our cars are becoming. Emerging technologies are stepping in, disrupting everything from the way cars are built to the way we drive (or even whether we drive at all). If you’ve ever asked yourself what the future of driving looks like, buckle up — here are five emerging technologies that are shaping the auto industry.
1. Self-driving Technology is Indeed a Reality
Alright, we’ve all heard the hype surrounding self-driving cars — how we’re going to be able to sit back and relax as the vehicle drives us wherever we want to go. It may have seemed like science fiction initially, but we’re further along than most even know.
Companies such as Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise are seriously investing in autonomous driving technology. Cars are already equipped with emerging technologies that automate aspects of the driving process—think adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and lane-keeping. All are incremental steps toward an entirely self-driving world.
The technology behind it is really clever, with the use of radar, cameras, and even artificial intelligence making the decisions when driving. Some test vehicles are able to navigate city traffic, sidestep pedestrians, and make sophisticated choices by themselves without a human operator. While complete autonomy is not yet prevalent, we’re closer with each passing year. It’s not a stretch to see a near future in which your vehicle can take you to your office, then park itself, or pick up the kids from school.
2. Car Insurance Is Getting Smarter (and Maybe More Affordable) with Telematics
Here’s something many auto owners are starting to realize: insurance companies no longer simply inquire about your age and residence to determine your premium. Now, they’re looking to technology — telematics — to gain a much more accurate picture of how you drive.
Telematics is a small gadget (or an application you install on your phone) that you plug directly into your car and monitors such aspects as the number of miles you cover, your speed, your hard braking (and when during the day you tend to be out and about). Essentially, it’s a recorder of your driving activities. Sounds a tad over the top, perhaps? But the thing is, it can be used to your advantage.
The numbers will testify if you are a prudent and cautious driver who does not speed, hit the brakes hard frequently, or drive late at night when conditions are most hazardous. And insurers will even reward you in many situations with lower premiums. Some even give discounts simply for committing to installing a telematics device without regard to the numbers. It is their way of saying, “If you believe you are a great driver, we will let you have the opportunity to validate your claim.”
It also means those who do not drive much — say remote workers or seniors — are not paying the same as someone who is driving a lot of miles each day. This is where pay per mile car insurance comes in- a product that allows you to pay premium basis how frequently you drive. Your premium becomes more tailored, and in a world with increasing car insurance prices, that is a huge advantage.
3. Cars are Becoming Increasingly Connected
Nowadays, cars are becoming little more than mobile computers — hooked up to the net, to other vehicles, and even to your home.
This is known as Vehicle-to-Everything (or V2X), and it enables your vehicle to talk to everything from traffic lights to the cars driving alongside you. Why is this a big deal? Imagine receiving timely alerts for accidents, traffic jams, or even slippery roads up ahead. It’s all about safety, convenience, and an overall smoother ride.
It’s not only about what your car can get — it’s also about what your car can send. Connected cars can exchange information that can make traffic smoother, lower the number of accidents, and even assist city planners in creating more efficient road designs. And with Wi-Fi, intelligent navigation, and over-the-air upgrades, your vehicle is kept up to date just like your phone.
4. Augmented Reality (AR) in Your Windshield
Heads-up displays themselves are not exactly new — those small projections in the windshield that indicate your speed or direction. But now we’re seeing a new level with augmented reality.
Imagine you are driving down a new street and, rather than checking your GPS, you can see the glowing arrows along the road itself, directing you in which direction to head. Or picture your vehicle lighting up passers-by at night so you can spot a person stepping out onto the road. That’s what AR is offering.
Already, some new cars are testing it out, and it is safer and more intuitive to drive. Instead of looking down from the road to consult directions or warnings, the information is just there in front of you in a logical manner. It is like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s quite real—and it’s appearing initially in luxury vehicles, with versions for regular cars to follow.
5. 3D Printing Transforms the Process of Building Cars
This isn’t necessarily as glamorous as self-driving technology or augmented reality, yet no less critical. 3D printing is revolutionizing the process of vehicle design and manufacturing essentially behind the scenes.
Rather than manufacturing huge quantities of parts using massive machinery, automakers are now able to “print” intricate components with cutting-edge materials. It translates to faster production, minimal waste, and even the capacity to produce customized parts for a particular vehicle. It’s particularly beneficial for prototyping — rather than waiting weeks to make a test part, engineers can have one up in hours.
In certain instances, entire car bodies or frames are even being printed. It’s early days yet, but the cost savings and flexibility are tremendous. Such a mode of production also means that small companies can build niche or highly customized cars without a massive factory infrastructure.
The payoff? Cars that are lighter, more fuel-efficient, and faster from concept to pavement.
Summing It Up
The car world is undergoing tremendous upheaval, and five emerging technologies are leading the way. Whether it’s the breathtaking abilities of self-driving technology or the convenience of a car that can communicate with everything else in the world, there’s no denying that the way we drive—and even think about driving—is changing fast.
The best news? It’s just the tip of the iceberg. As these emerging technologies advance and integrate with one another, future cars will be smarter, safer, and more exhilarating than we’ve ever known. And so, whether you’re an auto aficionado or simply an individual who would like a less stressful ride to and from the office, the future of driving is seriously bright.
Photo by gibblesmash asdf; Unsplash
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
