The automotive industry is one of key areas world economy. Annual allocations for research and innovation in the automotive industry exceed hundreds of billions of dollars. The number of jobs in the industry is over 14 million, and total assets are over $2 trillion.
Despite such impressive performance, the industry is constantly experiencing difficulties and is forced to optimize. Constant changes and additions regarding environmental protection require an upgrade of existing models at the design stage. A modern car should be based on fundamentally new developments that meet all the requirements technical progress. The continuous development of technologies in all spheres of life and the computerization of many processes are orienting manufacturers towards the creation of highly intelligent machines.
Among the challenges facing the automotive industry today is compliance with environmental regulations. Russian and foreign manufacturers aim to cut emissions and fuel consumption in half. For this, it is necessary to improve specifications cars by several times compared to previous figures: half measures are indispensable here. The gradual improvement of existing models is more labor- and time-consuming and much less effective than creating new models from scratch.
One of the innovative approaches in mechanical engineering is the use of composite and aluminum materials in the creation of the body, allowing suppliers to reduce the weight of the car by 25%.
The development of smart cars is gaining popularity in the automotive industry. Every year, cars look more like personal computers on wheels. It's not just about self-driving cars. Automakers are sure that the ideal modern car must be able to do everything and be as easy to manage as possible. Most of the innovations are predominantly for concept cars, but by analyzing the technologies implemented in these devices, one can understand the direction of future developments in the automotive industry.
A big innovative breakthrough is observed in the development of geolocation systems and computer analysis methods: there are clear improvements in automotive navigation and safety systems. The world's leading car manufacturers are investing huge financial resources in creating a user interface, with which the driver can control the flow of information without being distracted from driving.
The era of programming is leading to complete autonomy of vehicles, which requires the creation of complex codes. Of great interest are safety issues in the automotive industry. Tested and implemented systems that monitor the level of stress, as well as the degree of driver fatigue. It is expected that over time the car will acquire even greater functionality, for example, auto-steer, which will turn on if the system senses a threat to the safety of the driver or traffic.
We summarize: the main global trends in innovative transformations of cars are to change the design of the car, create an unmanned and electric transport, development of mobile service, high-tech production.
Here are some examples of innovative changes in the automotive industry:
- Evolution of manufacturability of materials;
- Engine upgrade;
- Safety;
- Compliance with environmental standards;
- Increasing comfort;
- Automation of management processes;
- Autopilot systems.
What it takes to create innovative cars from scratch
Symbiosis of CAD system (computer-aided design) and calculations of the engineering department
The integrated use of 2D and 3D technologies at the stage of prototype modeling reduces development time. The combination of models and virtualization helps to identify the characteristics of future prototypes at the initial stage of the automotive industry, reduce the cost and time of work.
Modeling
Integration of software application control systems allows:
- Reduce the complexity
- Reduce financial loss
- Increase the efficiency of the installed in the car software.
Systematization at all stages allows you to control the progress of development from the creation of the project to the end of the operational process, and provides full monitoring of shortcomings.
Process Integration
Global projects require special attention when it becomes necessary to make some adjustments and structural changes to an innovative project. For example, at the stage of conveyor assembly when installing rear-view mirrors, many options for parts are offered.
They may have different configurations:
- WITH electric drive,
- manual control,
- electric heating,
- View of blind spots, etc.
The step-by-step execution of autoassembly for each option will be different. The combination of development and regulation processes provides control over production and access to functionality from a single menu. This reduces the product readiness time and guarantees the correctness of the developed technology in the automotive industry. The integrated use of these processes will make it possible to evaluate the manufacturability of components and assemblies, as well as to identify errors or errors at an early stage (marriage or non-compliance of body parts). Thanks to this option, changes can be made at the assembly stage of cars, which greatly simplifies production.
Russian and foreign experience of innovation
The leading innovation trend in both Russian Federation, and abroad is the production of unmanned vehicle models. Such models have already carried out test trips, as well as cargo and passenger transportation.
Uber, in collaboration with Otto, has long had options for implementing such transportation. The fruitful cooperation between the two companies resulted in the emergence of an unmanned truck model and the implementation of self-guided cargo and passenger transportation.
A line of driverless buses has been launched in some European cities and in Hong Kong. They have a relatively low speed of movement - 20 km / h (for safety reasons), which is compensated by absolute safety for the natural environment.
Domestic developments are associated with Russian brand KamAZ and Volgabus, which presented projects of Russian cargo drones and buses. The Kamaz project may enter the series in 2022 and will carry out cargo transportation without drivers. The model of the new unmanned bus from Volgabus should analyze online traffic situation, carry out intelligent control process through special software. Another invention from the specified company - car platform unmanned control type MatrЁshka, which will be produced in several modifications: open chassis, minibuses, trucks. According to some reports, prototypes are being successfully tested at the Skolkovo innovation center and will soon begin to run in Moscow parks and Sochi.
Despite the success of foreign and domestic manufacturers in the automotive industry, the era of unmanned vehicles has not yet arrived. Problems with safety and reliability have not yet been 100% resolved, and recent examples of unsuccessful experiments (up to death) slow down the process of introducing new technologies in the Russian Federation and in the world.
The latest case of the Tesla electric car (an ambitious project by Elon Musk) is a clear confirmation of this. Model S, which is under the control of the autopilot system, was hit by a truck on the highway, as a result of which the driver died. According to the results of the investigation, it was found that neither the driver nor the autopilot noticed the approaching car. This incident was the first fatal crash in which the car was controlled by a computer. The company acknowledged flaws in the autopilot system, although stressed that the future belongs to this innovation system vehicle control.
Modern automotive industry has reached an unprecedented level. The latest developments amaze with the boldness of imagination and the skill of embodiment, they seem fantastic. It will soon become clear what innovations will enrich the automotive industry of the future.
What to expect in the coming years? Why and how will your car become smart? In what direction will it develop automotive industry? What technologies are already available and what are waiting for you?
A lot of things can change in just one decade. For example every 5 years computer equipment is very outdated. True, we are still far from technology like in the Star Wars movie.
Let's start. For example, if you are reading this text, then you have access to the Internet. And if you go back, for example, in 1995, the Internet was available to a very small circle of people, however, like a computer. But since then things have changed dramatically. Now you can access the Internet with phone, player, choose a provider that is more suitable for your needs and financial capabilities, and so on.
It's the same with cars, where even the Chinese have managed to introduce the new Android system into their car. By the way, earlier to meet such a number of airbags in the most different options (lateral, protecting the knees etc.) was impossible on any machine.
Electric cars could only be found on the golf courses. Cars are also changing, and the rate of adoption of new technologies will only increase every year.
Internet and car?
OnStar
It is possible to slow down transport remotely, preventing the hijackers from escaping from the police while chasing. Now there is a new feature that will help you recover stolen cars in hours, if not minutes.
The new technology is called Remote Ignition Block ( remote ignition lock). The OnStar operator has the ability to send a signal to the computer in the stolen car that will cause the ignition system to lock out and prevent it from restarting.
"This feature will not only help the authorities recover stolen cars, but also prevent dangerous car chases."
Holographic Information Displays
Similar systems can be seen at or. The bottom line is to send information directly to Windshield . Now there are operating models that can display information about speed, direction of movement, and more. And in the near future we will be able to navigate the road without even seeing it. For example, Company General Motors has already taken the first steps in this direction.
Now General Motors in cooperation with a number of universities started the development of the so-called "smart glass". GM hopes to turn the glass into a transparent display that can display information such as road markings, road signs or various objects such as pedestrians, which in fog or rain can be very problematic to recognize on the road.
Part of this technology was shown at Light Car, where with the help of LED technology, the car uses a transparent tailgate as a projection screen, for visible communication between cars, which is very useful for all motorists. For example, with what force the driver presses the brakes, you can show the car that is driving behind when the scale of the picture on the display is illuminated.
Communication of your car not only with other cars, but also with the infrastructure!
Soon all cars will be connected with each other and the road structure into a single whole, into a single network, which already has its own name - "car-to-X communication". Today, several companies, including Audi, have begun to create it. The essence of development is to make it possible "communication" of your car not only with other cars, but also with infrastructure, such as webcams at intersections, traffic lights or traffic signs.
Knowing about the state of traffic lights, traffic congestion and road conditions , the machine can save energy by preventing the driver from unnecessary acceleration/deceleration. The machine can even reserve a parking space. If the car is in emergency, he will be able to inform the surrounding cars about this so that other drivers can slow down in time and avoid a collision.
Audi showcases some of these innovations with an example E-tron
https://www.youtube.com/v/iRDRbLVTFrQ
Security Improvement
Speaking about technologies that can improve the security situation, developers see one of the main tasks in "keep" us on the same lane or even on the road in especially difficult cases .
Improved engine start system
In fact, such systems are not a matter of tomorrow, but of today. But it is impossible not to say about them, since they are one of the elements of the very efficiency of resource use. It's about about the system auto start or engine stop.
Such solutions can already be observed on almost everyone: when it stops, the engines turn off; to start off, you do not need to start the engine again, but just press the gas pedal. And if we talk about the future of this technology, then it can eventually be closely integrated with the car-to-X system, to further reduce fuel consumption. For example, given the information that a traffic light at an intersection has turned red, the car can turn off the main engine and continue driving on the electric motor only, thereby saving some energy.
Autopilot or precise cruise control
Brake assistance systems via vehicle-mounted echo sounders/lasers or radars have already become a standard option installed in expensive cars. But, like other developments that first appeared in cars of the upper price range, this one will also soon migrate to a cheaper segment.
This kind of technology, which able to avoid collision with the vehicle in front, can help in traffic safety and is useful mainly to novice drivers, so its appearance will be very useful. If manufacturers continue to improve this technology, and it will, we may soon see something similar to autopilot.
“Our goal for 2020 is that no one gets hurt by Volvo cars”, says senior security adviser Thomas Berger, speaking of new pedestrian detection system V .
Motion monitoring or "Dead Zones"
Two more, undoubtedly necessary technologies that can help improve the security situation are the monitoring of the so-called "dead zones" and lane crossing warning system. For example, the new system, which is planned to be installed in cars starting in 2011, combines these two technologies. The system will not only be able to warn the driver if he without a turn signal will start rebuilding to the adjacent lane, but prevent rebuilding if the lane is occupied by another vehicle. Naturally, Infiniti won't be the only car where we'll see this kind of technology.
The so-called "blind zone". Companies such as BMW, Ford, GM, Mazda and Volvo offer special systems that use cameras or sensors built into the mirrors controlling dead zones. small light bulbs alarm, installed next to the rear-view mirrors, warn the driver that the car is in the dead zone, and if there is no reaction from the driver and he starts rebuilding, the system is accepted more than a Actively warn of interference by making sounds, or, depending on the brand, begins steering wheel vibration. The downside is that similar systems only work at low speeds.
Cross Traffic Alert System: this is a radar that operates on the basis of a monitoring system for "dead zones". The system is able to detect the movement of vehicles in a cross direction while driving in reverse. Cross Traffic Alert is able to determine the approach of a car at a distance of 19.8 meters from both the left and right sides, where special radars are installed. This feature is currently available on Ford vehicles and Lincoln.
Crossing the road markings
Several companies, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo, offer similar friend to another solution. The system uses small road marking cameras, and if you cross it without turning on the turn signal, the system gives a warning sign. Depending on the system, this may be Sound or light signals, steering wheel vibration, or slight belt tension. For example, Infiniti uses automatic braking
on one side of the car to prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane.
parking
The day is not far off when cars will be able to drive without human assistance. I set the desired destination, and you sit to yourself, sip coffee and look through the morning press. But while this day has not yet come, and many automakers are beginning to slowly prepare us for this. For example, many companies are already installing automated parking assistance systems. Such systems operate as follows: the car uses radar to determine whether there is enough space to park. Further, it helps the driver to choose the correct steering angle and practically puts the car into the parking space himself. Of course, so far it cannot do without human help, but very soon such systems will appear in which human participation will not be necessary at all. You can get out of the car and watch the whole process from the side.
Driver status tracking: a tired driver can be just as dangerous as a driver drunk driving(and you need to drink that in the norm of the law).
Vehicle-integrated tracking systems that recognize signs of fatigue in the movements and reactions of the driver and warn of the need for a break, are available from several car manufacturers. These are Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Volvo. For example, in Mercedes, such a system is called Attention Assist: it first learns the driving style, in particular rotation of the steering wheel rim, turning on the direction indicators and pressing the pedals, and also monitors some control actions of the driver and such external factors such as crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. If Attention Assist recognizes that the driver is tired, it informs them to stop for a short rest. Does Attention Assist do this with sound signal and a warning message in the instrument cluster display.
IN Volvo cars there is also a similar system, but it works a little differently. The system does not control the behavior of the driver, but evaluates the movement of the car on the road. If something goes wrong, the system alerts the driver before the situation becomes critical.
Night vision cameras
Night vision systems can help reduce traffic accidents at night time. Currently offered by companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi in the new A8. Such systems can help the driver to see dark time day pedestrians, animals or better to see road signs. BMW uses this for this. infrared camera, which sends the image to the monitor in black and white. The camera distinguishes objects at a distance of up to 300 meters. infrared Mercedes-Benz system has more short range, but is capable of delivering more sharp image, however, its disadvantage is bad job at low temperatures .
And Toyota engineers have been working lately to improve night vision systems that can help drivers navigate more confidently at night. They recently unveiled a prototype camera based on algorithms and imaging principles discovered by studying the functioning of the eyes of nocturnal beetles, bees and moths, which can see in a wider range of colors, and is also adapted to more fully capture light that is not so much in the darkness of the night. The new digital image processing algorithm can capture high quality full color images in low light conditions from a moving on high speeds car. Plus, the camera is capable of automatic mode adapt to changes in light levels.
Demonstration of the operation of a thermal imager - a night vision camera for a car
https://www.youtube.com/v/ghzyW0HaXMs
Seat belts
Last year, Ford introduced the world's first seat belts with inflatable pillows
. According to the developers, this system will significantly increase the protection of rear seat passengers, and especially young children, who are more likely than adults to be injured in an accident. Integrated seat belt airbag inflates in 40 milliseconds. It is planned that similar Ford belts will equip 2011 Explorer models, but only for rear passengers. In the future, similar systems will be extended to other automakers.
https://www.youtube.com/v/MN5htEaRk4A
Hybrids and electrics
Recently, almost all automakers, both large and small, are trying to achieve greater efficiency, or efficiency, from power units, while relying on new types of fuels and engines, trying to reduce consumption and increase the average mileage per charge / filling. Already today we can observe a large number of mass-produced, and almost every automaker has a hybrid car in its portfolio. In the next decade, there will only be more of them.
Wireless battery charging
In connection with the forthcoming distribution of cars on rechargeable batteries the question of their problem-free, and most importantly, fast reload. Of course, you can unwind the extension cord with the plug from the car and connect it to ordinary socket. But this is not available to everyone.
It is difficult to imagine a city dweller pulling a plug to the sixth floor. Or the option with free sockets on the streets looks absolutely futuristic. Another option, which seems not so fantastic, is induction chargers. In addition, the technology is already being tested on smaller devices such as players and Cell phones. These kinds of chargers could be built into parking spaces in large stores, for example.
Active aerodynamics
Despite the fact that all automakers have long been using wind tunnels, and in this aspect there is room for improvement.
For example, BMW company, in its concept car BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics is already successfully using systems air intake controls. Depending on the driving conditions and the outside air temperature, the dampers in front of the radiator are opened or closed by a signal from the system. If they are closed, this improves aerodynamics and reduces engine warm-up time, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Naturally, BMW is not the only company using this technology.
KERS - regenerative braking
This is a type of electrical braking in which the electrical energy generated traction motors operating in generator mode is returned to the electrical network.
Only in the 2009 season in "" on some fireballs the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) is used. It was expected that this would spur developments in the field hybrid cars and further improvements to this system.
As you know, Ferrari introduced a hybrid coupe based on the 599th model, with KERS system.
Cars of the future
2057 year. The limited space of city streets and vertical architecture require the automotive industry to create newest cars who can survive in urban jungle And arrange vertical races. Automakers find innovative solutions in biomimicry, where four nano-laser wheels easily adapt to any track.
held together by magnetic fields), which can be restored to its shape with a single click on the alarm key fob or inside the car. The driver will be able to choose the type of car body from several possible “pre-installed” skins. The choice of car color is simply unlimited - a dream for girls who choose their car to match the color of their favorite lipstick.
Magnetic fields will help the concept instantly regenerate after being hit. SilverFlow restores its original form with a simple "reload". The appearance of gold areas will inform about the completion of the "transformation" and the readiness of the car for the trip.
The transfer of mechanical energy to the wheels, according to Mercedes, is transmitted by a special liquid, the molecules of which are set in motion by electrostatic nanomotors. Four swivel wheels allow the car to turn on the spot and park sideways. You won’t find a steering wheel and usual pedals in SilverFlow, acceleration and direction of movement will be set by two levers mounted on the sides of the driver’s seat.
Honda Zeppelin
This Honda, was created by a student who studied at the Department of Automobile Design at Hongik University, which is located in Korea.
Sequence GT
Top news of the week
We present to you new technologies in the automotive industry, which in the near future may become an integral part in the automotive industry. Superplastics are the birth of a new era.
Superplastics.
When it became possible to weave carbon threads into various materials, became possible creation heavy duty plastics. Such materials are capable of withstanding high impact forces while being significantly lighter than conventional impact parts. in collisions and contribute to weight savings.
Some Western companies are working on the development of a hybrid material - plastic with a steel cable woven into it. This inexpensive material will be used in the creation of body elements, interior decoration, bumpers. Such heavy-duty reinforced superplastics do have high strength, but so far they do not look very beautiful. This shortcoming will most likely be corrected soon.
Charging from a rolling car.
Hybrid cars are still not as popular as they deserve to be. And all because there are such harmful snobs in the world who constantly piss off that the battery charge is not enough for a full trip. Plugging such skeptics into the belt should be developing infrastructure and an increasing volume of batteries. A number of leaders in the auto industry, such as Audi, BMW and Mazda, are working on an interesting development - a generator to generate electricity for a battery that is driven by the rolling of a car while driving.
Electric motors in hubs.
In the “shaggy” years, Ferdinand Porsche was already thinking that the electric engine of the car should be located in the hubs, which would greatly expand the space in the car for passengers and the battery. Until now, this idea is in the air, but manufacturers are afraid to position the motors this way, because an increase in unsprung weight can affect handling and smoothness when driving on dusty and gravel roads. However, Protean Electric and Lotus Engineering are conducting research in which two identical Lotus vehicles are tested by company employees for maneuverability and handling.
One of them is equipped with hub motors. According to the test results, it turns out that for the average driver the difference is imperceptible. Small flaws in the management are eliminated by small suspension adjustments. the average driver will not notice the performance degradation associated with the extra unsprung weight, and due additional setting will help to overcome most of the side effects associated with handling.
Nickel-zinc batteries.
Modern urban heavy traffic requires fuel economy. A common thing today is to turn off the engine in a traffic jam or at a traffic light so as not to “smoke the sky”. The trouble is that lead acid battery under the hood is not able to withstand several aggressive stop-start cycles - it quickly discharges if you didn’t have time to ride, but started several times in a row. This problem was solved back in 1901, when Thomas Edison came up with nickel-zinc.
Such a battery does not lose discharge so quickly if you are forced to turn off and start the engine several times in a row. In addition, these batteries are longer term services. The modern company Power Genix claims that nickel-zinc batteries weigh half as much for twice the operating time. In addition, they are more environmentally friendly in terms of disposal.
Modern cars have proven their ability to evolve. Every year, new technologies appear in the automotive world that turn the idea of vehicles as such. Gradually descending into the budget or mid-price segments, they enter the masses, after which motorists simply do not understand how it was possible to live without these convenient and such necessary “little things”. Power steering, vacuum booster brakes, windshield wipers, heated seats… can you imagine that this was not once the case in cars? We can hardly imagine it... I'm sure it's not just us.
But the medal has another side. Due to the "boom" of electronics, the driver's seat is gradually being taken over by electronics. Electronic assistants insure the person behind the wheel, and in the last few years they even begin to replace the Homo sapiens in terms of driving. Such technical features prevent the phenomenon of "driving pleasure" from occurring. When the driver, being part of the car, becomes its continuation. At these moments, a minimal barrier is installed between him and the road. Electronics, of course, prevents the emergence of this symbiosis.
The ideal, in our opinion, is the use of secondary auxiliary functions, which are more aimed at maintaining a comfortable stay in the car, which really make the routine better.
A selection of 13 such things reflects the best technical solutions in the automotive industry.
External view cameras
Rear-view cameras from May 1 of this year have become a mandatory attribute of all cars sold in the USA. At least one camera must be installed on the most cheap equipment car. In more expensive trim levels, there may be several cameras, which will allow you to watch the car from above on the central screen.
This feature makes parking a car much easier and maneuvering in hard-to-reach places will be safer and more convenient.
Radar cruise control
Conventional cruise control isn't bad, but radar-based adaptive systems are truly genius.
Thanks to the operation of the system, the machine automatically adjusts to the speed of the vehicle in front and adjusts the distance at a safe distance. With its help, you can relax a little and not strain on the highway in a traffic jam. iron Horse will do some of the work for you.
Magnetic Ride Control Suspension
Magnetic adaptive suspension also included in the top devices to improve the convenience and handling of the car. Using special liquid, dampers can go as stiff as a sports car or as supple as if you were driving in a limousine in a fraction of a second. Everything will depend on the goal speed limit and surfaces under the wheels. The essence of the technology is based on the supply of electricity to the anode, which changes physical properties shock absorber fluid.
The technology is extremely popular among sports car manufacturers, with everyone from Corvette to Ferrari using it.
Suspension Multimatic DSSV
Passive adjustable dampers. Another type of suspension, without which it is impossible to imagine modern SUV. Multimatic has invented DSSV (dynamic suspension spool valve) adjustable shock absorbers, on which compression and rebound forces can be adjusted to a large extent. But at the same time with very high accuracy.
Used on all kinds of racing cars and SUVs such as Ford GT, Camaro Z/28 and Colorado ZR2.
Dual clutch transmission
We know nothing beats the feel of a manual transmission. But if you have an automatic transmission, you can't go wrong if you prefer the dual clutch. Shifts will be smooth and lightning fast, which raises the comfort of the ride by new level, and the response time of the checkpoint is unlikely to be higher.
Electronic self-locking differential
Mechanical self-locking differentials proved to be excellent in the 90s. But progress does not stand still. If you want to get a feel for what a car with advanced technology on board is capable of, you should opt for an electronic system.
Depending on which turn you enter, they may lock/unlock the right side and send the power to the required wheel that needs the torque the most.
Torque/braking vectorization
This system works by braking the inside wheel during cornering, which mimics the operation of a self-locking differential.
It allows you to better distribute the torque to the wheels, and give more grip to the tires.
For the most part, the feature works seamlessly, meaning you won't feel like it's there at all. You will just see the result.
Control of "dead" zones
Another extremely important and convenient security system. Everyone knows that long and large cars have so-called "dead" zones in the mirrors, in which even a KAMAZ can get lost. To prevent this, automakers agreed to install special indicators on the external mirrors, controlled by a computer and cameras. If there is a car in the next lane and you can’t change lanes, the car itself will tell you about it.
Collision Warning System
We see no disadvantage in avoiding a crash whenever possible. Collision avoidance systems such as Subaru Vision can warn you of a possible collision and even apply the brakes for you if there is no reaction.
Heated and ventilated seats
There is no better feeling than jumping into a ventilated seat on a hot day. The same goes for the warm feeling on a winter day that the heated seat provides. If you had a car with heated seats, and even better - with ventilation, it is difficult to return to the usual seats from the Zhiguli.
Massage
So far, an uncommon feature, which in the future may become extremely popular with all drivers without exception. All 33 pleasures that no one could have dreamed of even 10 years ago.
Steering wheel heating
Heated seats are a good thing, but it's equally nice to feel the warmth warming your hands on a cold day. For this, a heated steering wheel was invented.
There is no need to wear gloves when you drive to work in the morning in the winter. The car has already taken care of your comfort.
head-up display
Nothing should distract the driver from the situation on the road. Unfortunately, in real life this script is almost never executed. Either the track needs to be changed on the central display, then you need to see how much fuel is left in the tank, then some icon flashed on dashboard. So that the information is always in front of your eyes and they came up with a Head-up display.
The technological revolution in the automotive industry began over a century ago. Any technology is recognized to simplify people (us) life. Since the appearance of the first cars, our life has become more diverse and interesting. After all, with the help of a vehicle, we can overcome long distances. Appearance automatic transmission made it easier for us to change gears. Cruise control gives us the opportunity to rest our legs. There are many other technologies that make driving a true relaxation.
We invite our readers to get acquainted with six new auto technologies in the automotive industry, which traditionally and as usual continue to simplify the operation of a modern car for the driver. To our regret, most vehicles do not yet have the this list these latest developments. In order for this or that technology to specifically take root in the automotive industry, it is necessary that some time pass, during which this (any) development would prove its necessity and become cheaper at cost.
Despite the fact that the technologies presented by us are installed today on a few other car brands, anyway, at least this list allows our readers to look with us into the future, where it is possible, someday, all these technologies will become commonplace habitual factor and will be used on almost all machines without exception.
1) Automatic parking assistant.
For many of us, weekends or holidays are associated with trips to various shopping centers and shops, where, as you know, some kind of quiet horror is going on in the parking lot. Finding a parking space for your car often turns into headache. Even if you have found a place to park, you spend a lot of time on it, which is usually never enough. Do you know this friends? We have no doubt. To do this, today there is a new modern technology from the Audi company, which offers its motorist.
How it works? Let's take a look in detail. Arriving at a shopping center or store, you get out of the car near the entrance, and the car with the help special system will independently find a parking space and park without your participation and even in your absence. When you, after shopping or visiting a store using a smartphone and special software, are going to inform or notify your car that you have left the shopping center so that it independently drives up to the place of your disembarkation, the program will instantly execute your command using this system . Fantasy, isn't it? And here it is not. Not so long ago, a representative of the company "Audi" officially announced that this development has been completed and will soon be installed on some car models.
For orientation in space, the car uses laser rangefinders (LIDAR), highly sensitive video cameras for proper navigation in the parking lot and a satellite navigation system that determines the location of the vehicle in space. The only but that we consider essential. In order for this system to fully function and not go astray, the following is necessary: external sensors, which will tell the car the coordinates free space in the parking lot.
Over time, when such systems become widespread, the owners of most shopping centers will probably equip their parking lots with such electronic sensors.
Let us remind our readers that in many modern cars already a similar system is used, although it works in the presence of the driver, who needs to press the gas and brake pedal himself. For semi-automatic parking, you need to drive up to a free parking space, turn on the parking assistant, and then, pressing the brake or gas pedal, if necessary, wait until the car parks itself (the steering wheel will turn automatically). This parking aid is installed on vehicles and .
2) WiFi hotspot in the car.
A few years ago, the Internet did not play such an important role in our lives. Today everything has changed. We cannot imagine life without the Internet, whether we are at work or at home. True, we still have such moments in our lives when we very rarely use the Internet. For example, in a car. Of course, we can log on to the network from our smartphone and then check our email or go to some site, let's say "Odnoklassniki". But what if you want to access the Internet for a specific purpose for which you access the network from your desktop computer, or laptop, or tablet? Then how to be?
For such purposes, the company "a specific module is 3G / 4G, which can distribute WiFi to several electronic gadgets at a distance of 150 meters.
This initiative (know-how) has already been picked up by many automakers. For example, the company began to equip its cars with cellular modules that distribute WiFi. Including such a WiFi module is now available in the car
During 2014-2015, General Motors plans to equip most of its vehicles with the same 4G LTE cellular modules and high-speed WiFi distribution system.
3) Airless tires.
So for 80% of all motorists, the pressure in the wheels does not meet their established standards. The reason is simple, it is simple laziness or ignorance of how to check tire pressure or how to pump up a tire. In addition to increasing fuel consumption, improperly inflated tires also pose a safety hazard on the road. Just as often, tire pressure changes due to certain temperature differences in the street. If the tires are under-inflated, this leads to premature wear. How can I solve the problem so as not to constantly inflate the wheels?
Today there is a solution for this, which is directly related to the latest development of the company "Bridgestone". After several years of research, a rubber manufacturer created. Instead of air, these tires have a micro-mesh of hard rubber inside. which essentially retains its shape and the shape of the wheel even under extreme loads. Since the tire does not need air, if a wheel (tire) is punctured, the car can continue its journey freely without any danger. The thermoplastic material used in the manufacture of airless tires (including the tread) is made from recycled materials, resulting in these concept tires being environmentally friendly and meaningful compared to conventional traditional rubber.
Until Bridgestone announces an exact start date mass production these innovative tires. But there is a chance that eco-friendly tires in the next 5-10 years will be installed on many car brands.
4) System of indication of filling of tires with air.
While we dream about airless tires the company "" has developed a new tire (wheel) air filling notification system. For example, on an Altima 2014 (2015 Nissan Teana) a new system has appeared that shows the driver when the tires are inflated, their internal pressure, or when this pressure reaches the norm. And how does it work? Nothing complicated. If you decide to inflate the wheel near your home, or work, or at a gas station, then by connecting the pump directly to the wheel, you will immediately see how the front fog lights or turn signals (depending on modification).
While the tire is inflating, the fog lamp(s) will flash to let you know that the wheel (tire) is inflating. As soon as the pressure in the wheel reaches the required rate in accordance with the specified parameters from the manufacturer, the car itself will give a horn signal and the flashing of the bulb in the fog lamp(s) will stop. That's the whole secret.
5) Smart lights.
Driving a car at night in the rain or when it is snowing is difficult and very stressful, as visibility on the road under such conditions is very poor and leaves much to be desired. And the thing is that our car headlights illuminate not only the road itself, but also raindrops or snow particles, which creates a big obstacle for our eyes to clearly see (view) the road. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a specific system of headlights to improve your visibility in bad weather. This system consists of: - a video camera, a projector, a laser beam splitter and a computer unit based on an Intel processor.
In order to prevent snow or rain from creating big obstacles for your visibility in the headlights, the camera itself determines in the upper field of your vision where a drop of rain or snow will fall and then independently projects a completely discolored obstacle in front of your eyes in the form these precipitations. This whole process takes 13 milliseconds.(!) As the developers themselves say, the speed of such projection can be increased.
Technologies related to car headlights are not developing as fast as, say, electronics. , which the maximum they can do is turn the headlight lenses when turning left and right and automatically turn off high beam when an oncoming vehicle approaches you. Unfortunately, friends, but the fact remains that in order for the headlights to become truly "smart", some significant leap in technology is needed. And who knows, maybe it is the development of scientists from Carnegie Mellon University that will become this expected breakthrough in technology. car headlights. Let's live and wait.
6) Hydrophobic coating of car windows.
Some of the new 2014 Cadenza models were equipped with hydrophobic side windows for the first time. What it is? Ordinary car glass is covered with a special hydrophobic coating that protects the glass from chips or damage, that is, it does not allow the glass to become dirty and dirty with the same drops of water. The coating repels water and any condensate that collects. This coating sufficiently improves visibility in rainy weather and facilitates the process of drying windows after washing.
To our regret, we don't know anything more about which automakers today equip their cars with these hydrophobic windows.
You are probably surprised friends that it was on a Korean car that the technology of hydrophobic windows was first applied? Or not so much? But there is nothing surprising about this. Automotive technology, which has been developing at a doubling rate of late, often began to appear on very inexpensive makes and models of cars. And this is primarily due to the fact that many new technologies are not so expensive today at their cost and do not require multi-billion investments from manufacturers.
