Automakers are turning to eco-friendly materials in an attempt to reduce production costs and emissions, such as no-lift shifting technology that allows drivers to shift without lifting up a gear.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is an automotive technology that helps prevent rear-end collisions by monitoring the environment using cameras and sensors. It has become an essential safety feature on modern cars.

ADAS

ADAS refers to an umbrella term encompassing cutting-edge technologies designed to assist drivers. These systems rely on sensors such as cameras, radars, LiDARs and ultrasonics as well as powerful computers onboard vehicles to detect surroundings quickly, prioritize information and make real time decisions in response to driving situations.

Advanced ADAS systems can monitor driver fatigue and distraction to send warning signals, identify hazards and predict crashes based on weather conditions and road markings, as well as even steer the car to avoid or reduce collision severity.

Aptiv’s EyeQ is an efficient and scalable ADAS processor that utilizes sensor data to prioritize information while performing complex computer vision and sensor fusion functions all within a single domain controller, facilitating maximum reuse and quicker system updates.

Hybrid and Electric Powertrains

With increasing emphasis on carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric powertrains have quickly become one of the most prevalent automotive technologies. Hybrid powertrains utilise an electric motor to assist traditional combustion engines during acceleration or high load situations while the engine acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy from wheels into electricity that is stored in batteries.

A series hybrid uses a supercapacitor or flywheel to store this regenerative braking energy and increase its efficiency, making cruising much more fuel-efficient while simultaneously decreasing emissions and improving fuel economy. Furthermore, this design gives manufacturers greater freedom in placing key components across a vehicle for improved weight distribution and greater passenger comfort.

Connected Car Technology

Connected cars provide connectivity between other vehicles and infrastructure, using real-time data collected via sensor networks to deliver predictive maintenance, on-demand insights, usage-based insurance coverage and more.

Cars can exchange information among themselves to enhance road safety, such as notifying drivers about pedestrians or traffic nearby. V2I communications allow drivers to navigate more efficiently around construction zones or congestion hotspots.

Many connected cars feature apps that enable drivers to remotely operate the features of their vehicle, including locking or unlocking its door, opening its sunroof, turning on or off its engine and switching the headlight on and off. Furthermore, GPS technology allows for pinpointing its exact location – especially useful when parking in tight spots!

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is being utilized extensively within the automotive industry to foster innovation and efficiency, from self-driving cars to generative design – it’s changing how we experience vehicles!

Powering robots used in car assembly lines, it helps speed and accuracy while simultaneously improving quality control by detecting manufacturing process flaws.

Machine Learning algorithms are employed in many ADAS features, including voice recognition that enables passengers to operate the systems within their vehicle hands-free – for navigation, music playback or infotainment purposes.

AI can be leveraged in predictive maintenance to proactively detect any problems with vehicle components, enabling drivers to schedule service appointments and prevent breakdowns. Furthermore, it helps manufacturers work at peak performance while saving both time and money with supply chain processes that use AI.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) provides the simulated experience of real-world environments using immersive technology, making it a useful tool for professional training and car testing. For example, Ford uses VR to help their designers visualize new designs without building physical prototypes – saving both time and money!

Augmented reality (AR) is another powerful tool automakers are employing to ensure safer driving conditions. A system installed into a windshield or projected onto a dashboard may allow drivers to access information without taking their eyes off of the road, increasing safety.

VR technology is also being utilized in showrooms to give potential customers an engaging virtual reality view of a vehicle, helping them understand its inner workings – essential knowledge for making an informed decision.