Vehicles getting smarter with IoT and AI

As the world embraces advances in technology, all the aspects of our lives are being connected. The modern vehicle is no exception here. Automotive manufacturers continuously increase the use of electronics systems to improve vehicle performance, safety, and passenger comfort. The integration of sensors and actuators with automotive components is no more surprise today. Such integration offers optimized vehicle performance, improved reliability, and enhanced durability.

As everybody knows that the human heart is the vital organ in our bodies, so is the engine in vehicles. Today’s cars, on an average have anywhere from 40 to 100 Engine Control Units (ECUs) – a central part of the Engine Management System. With various engine sensors like engine speed sensor, crankshaft timing sensor, throttle position sensor, fuel pressure sensor, and many more, ECU receives data from sub-systems of an engine. It then analyzes, processes, and sends signals to relevant relays and actuators. They include spark plugs, fuel injectors, ignition circuit, etc. Thus, it delivers the best possible engine performance while keeping emissions as low as possible.

Today’s AI-powered solutions go further in making cars smart. Machine learning algorithms and predictive models work by breaking the trip into less than minute long segments, as the drive progresses. Using data ranging from vehicle’s speed, location, time of day, traffic information, the gradient of the road, and the engine’s rate of fuel consumption; in each segment, the algorithm learns and generates recommendations accordingly to save fuel. This is just one example of what an AI-powered solution can do.

It’s clear that driver assistance and passenger comfort can be significantly enhanced with such a smart solution. In-car entertainment systems connect to the Internet as well as to other devices, allowing users to virtually choose any form of entertainment available on the Internet, or from the connected device. Moreover, sensors can monitor the eye movement of the driver and raise the alarm if it senses sleepiness or fatigue. Further, with lane-centering technology, it can self-correct the driver when he deviates from the center of the lane. Drivers can also buy the insurance and other related services, directly from the car. Additionally, with specific standards and machine learning techniques, cars can talk to each other while they are on the road, and in case they are about to collide, take appropriate actions to avoid crashing.