With so many innovations in the world of autos happening right now, it’s easy for some of them to fly under one’s radar. Especially since a lot of companies are keeping quiet about the latest advancements in their R&D. The world automobile market size hit 2.7 trillion in 2Q 2021, according to IBIS World. That should give you a good impression of the resources the industry at large can dedicate to improving its tech. Everything from automobile safety and accident prevention to fuel sustainability and efficiency improves by the day. Here are some that you may have missed.
Rapid advancements In V2X tech
Thanks to 5G, we are now on the verge of unparalleled connectivity. This development is opening up more and more pathways in V2X tech. Right now, automakers like BMW and Audi are partnering up with telecommunications leaders to build this interconnected future into their new car concepts. Meanwhile, nations like Finland and the US have already begun retrofitting major infrastructure to communicate with V2X-enabled automobiles.
Finland, for example, had partnered with smart mobility developers Nodeon and Monotch to optimize traffic flow. Their planned C-ITS (Cooperative Intelligent Transport System) will update traffic lights and other displays in real-time to prioritize freight, ambulances, public transport, and other high-priority vehicles. The intent behind this is to make overall traffic flow more efficient by guiding motorists more closely and delivering need-to-know info to them. Likewise, car manufacturers are developing their prototypes in accordance with this new infrastructure. BMW’s ConnectedDrive makes use of between-car communication to fuel their traffic jam assist, parking assist, and HUD technologies.
Sony continues testing and development of the Vision-S
In January 2020, Sony unveiled its first entry in the EV race. The Vision-S appeared to be ready for mass-production right out of the gate, despite Sony’s insistence that it wasn’t. Still, their words and actions since then have hinted at the possibility of a commercial release, one way or another. The Vision-S is bristling with sophisticated autonomous driving sensors, including lidar, radar, and an array of cameras, in all numbering 33 different sensors. Many of these are already employed in car models and makes that are in the market, but the Vision-S takes it up a notch by making every sensor fulfill a role that serves a larger whole. These sensors all come together to wrap the vehicle in a “safety cocoon” that preempts any dangerous obstacle that the vehicle might encounter during autonomous driving.
Sony also stated that it is equipped with 360 Reality Audio, capable of delivering an “immersive audio experience.” It is powered by a 400kW dual-motor AWD, capable of going from zero to 100kph in less than five seconds. It can achieve a top speed of 240 kph. All of this are tied together with what Sony calls a “software-oriented design.” It remains to be seen whether this is a prototype for bigger plans Sony might have in store. Alternatively, it could be using the Vision-S as a guinea pig for the newest car tech in partnership with seasoned automakers.
Tesla improves their Auto-Pilot
Tesla began working on semi-controlled driving for enhanced road safety back in 2013. The feature was so well-received by the customers that it became a compulsory feature for every Tesla model.
According to the latest press release, a fully-functional Tesla Auto-Pilot is in the testing phase. Elon Musk tweeted that all the latest Tesla Models feature fully-functional self-driving hardware awaiting software updates. The various test results of the self-driving experience were all positive, and Tesla has even released this optional feature to limited units. However, the final upgrade will be released once Tesla is fully satisfied with Auto-Pilot in urban traffic.
These are only two of the breakthroughs and advancements being made daily in the world of automobiles. Even so, they herald how starkly different the roads of tomorrow might be compared to what we have right now.