At the beginning of the 20th century, when Henry Ford established the Ford Motor Company, it revolutionized car manufacturing. This displaced steering bodies of metals and moved in a line of sophisticated models governed by technological advancements into the market. At the time, this was the pinnacle of progress.
However, cars have undergone several changes in the 21st century as we steadily progress from 2022 to 2023. Electric, hybrid, and solar energy systems replaced older models and redefined how we drove cars. We are successfully entering an autonomous stage, where vehicles like General Motors Super Cruise, Mercedes-Benz Distronic Plus, and Tesla Autopilot are paving a path toward self-driven cars. So, how is technology changing the game? What are these new cars, and how do they shape the driving experience for future generations? Read on to find out:
A glimpse into autonomous technology
Autonomous refers to self-driven cars. Not only is accomplishing this task a challenge for most manufacturing companies it is also a testament to how far technology has expanded. While most autonomous vehicles have completed functioning at level 3 in the self-driven process, there are still many milestones to cross before cars are entirely independent.
The concept of a car moving without your intervention may seem unusual. But there are several autonomous vehicles advantages, making them a lucrative tool and an asset for future drivers. Features like autonomous emergency brakes use lidar technology and radar systems to analyze the road, pick up on possible chances of a collision, and adjust the car accordingly.
So if you are cruising down the road and almost in an accident, your car will automatically brake for you, saving your vehicle and you from damage. Similarly, Google Cars have an autonomous system that detects passersby, cars, and people on the street to control the vehicle.
How is technology changing the landscape?
As cars become more tech-savvy, it has reshaped the way you drive. You’re far safer now, but you don’t have to worry about every minor mishap while operating your vehicle. The autonomous features will help you control your car comfortably. But the benefits don’t end there. Here are some ways technology is making a difference:
1. Introduction to smart cars
Technology like Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto allows you to use your car’s touch screen, which has every feature your phone does. So whether you want to play music on your playlist, pick a call or search for something online, you can perform all these tasks without pulling out your phone.
However, manufacturers also aim to take these functions a step further and integrate hand gestures. Consequently, with the wave of your hand, you can control your car. This saves your focus from shifting off the road and lets you efficiently multitask.
The BMW 7 Series is an excellent example of a smart car. The control panel on this vehicle has a small sensor that picks up your gestures. You can control the volume and take or dismiss calls by waving your hands in a specific manner. BMW also offers you user personalization. If you want to add more features or change the gesture signs, you can do as you please.
2. Environmental friendly
Electric cars have drastically reduced the need for fossil-based fuels. Hybrid cars also use more than one energy source by combining petrol or diesel with an electric motor, causing less gasoline to get used and your vehicle emitting less toxic fumes into the air. As a result, you’re saving money and keeping the environment fresh while driving your car.
Fossil fuels are a class of hydrocarbons that are non-renewable. They must be extracted and combusted at high temperatures to release different fuel energy. This impacts the environment and leaves a massive carbon footprint, accelerating global warming. After burning petrol, cars emit gases that harm your body and can have long-term repercussions. As the population grows and the need for vehicles and fuels increases, electric and hybrid cars are an easy solution to fulfill these demands.
3. Excellent self-driving systems
Before self-driving systems, operating a car was not easy. You had to mind your speed, hit the brakes at the right time, and shift the gears if you drove a stick to prevent the engine from stalling. However, autonomous cars do the driving for you. These vehicles have sensors placed throughout the body, detecting the surroundings, while internal sensors control the speed.
Tesla is still testing out features to automate their cars fully, but companies like BMW already have a parking feature that independently parks your vehicle without you controlling the wheel. The sensors calculate the dimensions of the space and the vehicles surrounding it before neatly squeezing in. Cruise control allows your car to maintain its speed or go higher without you stepping on the gas. You can hit up to 100 mph with no hassle through a simple scan.
4. Enhanced safety
Road crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 30,000 people losing their lives annually. When driving, there is always a chance another vehicle may hit you or a passerby suddenly collide with your car. These accidents are brutal, leading to extensive damages and injuries that are hard to recover. But with the help of technology, car companies are working on safety features to prevent most road collisions. The pressure sensors, lane change sensors, and active accident detection control how your vehicle moves on the road. Certain cars have an automatic braking and traction system, ensuring your vehicle always maintains a safe speed and stops on time. Whether turning at a blind spot or traveling on the highway, the enhanced security will protect you, dimming road anxiety.
Conclusion
Cars are becoming easier to drive with the integration of technology. The need for your awareness and presence has significantly reduced, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the ride without worrying about a disaster on the road. Self-driven cars are the future. The innovative technology will enable you to access the control panel with the wave of your hand. This advanced technology also controls fuel consumption, a blessing for the struggling environment. In addition, the sensors keep you safe from accidents, cruise the car for you and park it when needed without you needing to lift a finger. As we head into a future of predictive analysis, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, an autonomous car is a welcome addition.
