Is AI really elevating the automotive industry or just risking everyone’s welfare?

Is AI really elevating the automotive industry or just risking everyone’s welfare?

AI systems in cars

In such a diverse world, opinions and beliefs when it comes to trusting one’s life into a code are widely split. Numerous advocates of AI systems in autonomous cars believe that drivers aren’t always attentive enough not to pose threats on the road, suggesting that the sooner the highways are cleared of human-steered cars, the safer the streets will be.

Conversely, some individuals argue in favor of retaining complete control over the lives of road participants in the hands of human drivers. They assert that excessive reliance on autonomous technology cannot eliminate potential threats and risks but rather exacerbate the severity of accidents should a mishap occur with an autopilot system in charge.

There’s a heated debate over driverless vs autonomous technology in the context of road traffic, which is far from reaching a broadly accepted conclusion. Valid arguments exist on both sides, and none can be completely risk-proof. Yet, discovering everything about these two driving methods can fill one’s knowledge gaps and help them make the best-informed choices. Given the increasing prevalence of driverless cars, this article seeks to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both perspectives, allowing you to make an informed decision about where you stand on this issue.

AI systems

Vandalized traffic signs can mislead the autopilot

One of the most prominent ways technological advancements have revolutionized the automotive industry and laid the groundwork for any other development to appear in the future is the introduction of the autopilot – or that self-executing mechanism that took charge of a driver’s reactions. The autopilot system posed challenges and risks, just like with any other tech development, but soon got to be revered for its advantages after numerous tests and improvements cemented its reputation as a safe tool nowadays.

However, autopilots use exterior elements, GPS, airspeed indicators, and other elements to handle intricate maneuvers accurately. For this reason, one’s safety is not residing in their hands thoroughly, but rather on other exterior forces. Suppose some mal-intended individuals place deceitful coverings on street traffic signs, then the autopilot could be tricked and misguided into making a wrong and potentially fatal move. Autopilot car accidents are not some type of urban legend to be heard and forgotten. According to experts from www.accidentclaims.co.uk/personal-injury-compensation/car-accident-claims, autopilot car accidents can happen anytime the system is broken and malfunctions, potentially leaving injuries and life-long damages behind.

Therefore, it’s safe to say that the safest way to handle an autopilot is to contribute with your attention and have your reflexes and reactions unimpeded by other tasks, such as doing anything defocusing. Regarding car drive safety, the person behind the wheel is never spared by being present, nor are the elements guiding the autopilot system always reliable, as one can extract from this paragraph’s example of defective traffic signs.

Other challenges of employing AI-powered solutions in the automotive industry

By the end of the decade, experts believe that a continuous expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive industry could clear up to 300 million full-time jobs. Statistics like these show that the world is growing increasingly reliant on automation and other tech advances, quietly leading to a workforce destabilization that will render middle-class workers redundant sooner or later.

In light of the rising predominance of autopilots and sensor-guided systems rendering self-driving obsolete, it’s normal for challenges to appear and call for effective and tried-and-tested solutions to keep the ball rolling.

The automotive industry is currently grappling with several pressing challenges when it comes to the adoption and implementation of AI-based solutions. Here are some of the key challenges:

  • Liability and safety. Determining liability in a car accident involving an AI-driven automobile can be a complex process where strict standards and regulations must be weighted. Google’s driverless vehicles were involved in several crashes years ago, whereas 273 Teslas were involved in car accidents, accounting for around 70% of crashes involving a self-driving system, in cases where the system fails and the technology malfunctions, such as brakes that give out, the manufacturer might be held responsible. However, if one enters a collision where they’re faulty for missteps such as ignoring the system’s warnings, they will likely be held accountable.
  • Security and data privacy. Like cloud-based applications and any technology detached from the offline world, AI systems integrated into automobiles pose security and data privacy challenges due to their reliance on extensive data access. Safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access and misuse has become an increasingly urgent concern in the digital sphere.
  • Ethical issues. AI car systems can be subjected to making ethical decisions in a second when a vital situation requires so. Training systems to choose between specific reactions and outcomes based on ethical standards and societal values can be tricky, given the significant extent to which these norms differ depending on the region.
  • Technical challenges. Developing and integrating AI systems into structures responsible for protecting users’ lives can be a real technical challenge. To become widespread, AI needs to be seamlessly integrated into the industry.

Yet, AI gets it spot on in so many aspects that its potential is undeniable

Undeniably, AI systems in the automotive sector can streamline numerous processes and contribute advantages when integrated correctly. Intelligent robots reduce the load on drivers’ shoulders when interacting with the surrounding traffic elements, road participants, and other critical aspects, serving as a backup that increases the safety and accuracy of the driving process.

Besides heightened safeguarding, AI can streamline the manufacturing process by using robots. The following areas can highly benefit from the integration of AI systems in the automotive industry, and they’re not the only ones:

More safety is due to efficient security systems such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Predictive upkeep since AI uses IoT systems, which help monitor live data and notify car owners when maintenance is needed.

An enhanced driving experience that drivers can engage in since mobility and traffic flow are enhanced.

Last words

AI has had an evident impact in almost any business category you’d look at, yet it’s the automotive and manufacturing industries that have been the most transformed. Whether AI systems in the automotive industry are more beneficial than disadvantageous depends on anyone’s reasoning. What’s undeniable is that there’s a long way to go until this technology is fully developed and taken advantage of.

Featured images provided by toine G and Samuele Errico Piccarini; Unsplash; Thanks!

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