In the world of automotive technology, new advancements are constantly emerging. Over the past few years, we have witnessed the introduction of various automotive technologies. Looking back over these years, there have been numerous developments in automotive technology that are observable. These advancements have even been applied to modern sophisticated cars of today.
Autonomous drive technology is one of the recent innovations that enable vehicles to move without human intervention. This technology is supported by a range of technologies, including sensors installed in the vehicles. Below, we will examine some of the latest developments in automotive technology.
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Several recent developments in automotive technology are already being felt and will continue to be developed, including:
Autonomous Drive
Autonomous drive, as briefly mentioned earlier, is one of the most advanced car technologies available today. The presence of autonomous drive technology in vehicles allows them to move without human control.
This technology in vehicles is also supported by sensors embedded in the vehicles. These sensors play a crucial role in automatically controlling the vehicle’s movements without human intervention. Moreover, these sensors can also determine when the vehicle should stop, among other functions.
The system behind autonomous drive technology is quite complex, requiring sophisticated algorithms. These algorithms are responsible for determining the direction to be taken, adjusting the vehicle’s speed according to speed limits, identifying obstacles ahead, and recognizing heavily congested road locations.
One example of a car brand that has implemented autonomous drive is Tesla, in its Model S model. Other car manufacturers that have also adopted this technology include BMW with its 7-series model, Mercedes-Benz with its S-Class model, Volvo with its S90 model, and Audi with its A8 model.
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Connected Cars
This automotive technology, specific to a particular car, is the latest technology that enables a vehicle to communicate bidirectionally with external technology systems. This technology is still related to internet connectivity.
General Motors Company (GM), a multinational automotive corporation headquartered at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, United States, has introduced connected car technology through OnStar. This includes security and safety systems available within the vehicle.
With this system, connected car technology can use a mobile phone to call 911 in the event of an accident while on the road. Now, this automotive technology has rapidly evolved, such as being able to detect Global Positioning System (GPS) locations.
Pre-collision
As the name suggests, this automotive technology plays a role in preventing collisions that may occur while driving. If a collision cannot be prevented, this technology will act within a few seconds to protect the occupants inside.
To understand this technology system, it’s necessary to look at the latest technology example in Mercedes-Benz called Pre-Safe. This system can detect if a collision is unavoidable based on speed calculations, sensors around the car, and steering angle.
The automatic system will tighten the seat belt, adjust the seat back angle, and automatically adjust the headrest height in a very fast manner. If needed, this system can also close windows and sunroofs.
Automatic Safety Braking System
This latest automotive technology is a system that can make vehicles operate more cautiously. The car’s brakes can work with this technology when the driver operates the vehicle using the technology at speeds below 30 km/h.
Its sensors can also detect pedestrians and other obstacles without the driver’s awareness. The Automatic Safety Braking System technology has been installed in several modern cars today, such as the Mazda CX-5.
Hybrid
Hybrid is one of the most innovative technologies in the latest automotive world. This is because Hybrid technology combines two propulsion systems into one. In a conventional car engine, an electric motor is integrated, and they work together to propel the vehicle.
Besides cars, conventional engines can also function by recharging the electric motor’s drive battery. As a result, besides reducing fuel consumption and emissions, they also boost performance because both have their own power outputs.
Modern cars with this technology are also available in plug-in form, allowing the electric motor’s battery to be charged with household electricity inexpensively.
Consequently, conventional engines rarely work anymore. The idea has been around since the early 21st century, but hybrid cars successfully entered the commercial market around the late 1990s. The Honda Prius is one of the pioneers of modern cars that has supported Hybrid technology and was released around 2001.
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Self-Leveling Suspension
Although not entirely new, this latest automotive technology is one of the useful innovations. Before the introduction of self-leveling suspension technology, older cars would compress the suspension when loaded with cargo or passengers at the rear, causing the front to lift and reducing traction on those wheels.
As a result, the car would be less stable and could endanger its passengers. The presence of this technology allows the car’s suspension to resist and maintain a level posture when loaded with weight. This optimizes control and other aspects related to driving.
Electromagnetic Parking Sensor
The Electromagnetic Parking System is a technology that was discovered a long time ago, in 1992. Nevertheless, this technology remains relevant today. This innovation enables electromagnetic sensors in the car to detect objects around the vehicle, whether from the rear, front, or sides. Consequently, drivers can avoid collisions with objects in their surroundings effectively.
So, those are some intriguing insights into the latest developments in automotive technology that you should keep on your radar. Stay informed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cars and driving.