The Internet of Things has rapidly changed industries around the world. The automotive industry is no exception. This sector has exceeded most experts’ expectations and is likely to continue as technology continues to improve and evolve. Expert Guido Voigt took a closer look
The automotive industry has used modern IoT technology in the last few decades to renew its processes and functions by finding new applications for vehicle telematics.
The term “vehicle telematics” refers to automation in the car, such as GPS navigation, vehicle tracking, wireless communication, and automatic driver assistance systems.
Let’s take a look at the top six uses of this technology and how they have radically changed the industry as we know it.
Vehicle Tracking And Fleet Management
One of the most important applications of the IoT is fleet management with real-time vehicle tracking. Monitoring the location, movements, and behavior of a vehicle is achieved by combining a GPS receiver and a device installed in the vehicle. This combination enables the vehicle and the software to generate the information displayed visually or on map software.
One of the major applications of IoT has been that of fleet management using real-time vehicle tracking. The monitoring of location, movements, and an automobile’s behavior is accomplished by combining a GPS receiver and a device installed in the vehicle. This combination facilitates communication between the truck and the software to produce information that’s displayed visually or on mapping software.
The same technology is used for fleet management by showing the real-time location of each truck and generating statistics for performance and driver management. The fleet manager can even see the truck’s weight and monitor fuel and mileage by adding sensory data.
A fleet operator can now quickly scan information and make adjustments if necessary. Drivers underperforming or driving too many hours can be recognized and warned before costly mistakes are made. Trucks can be rerouted before traffic jams occur and are no longer stuck in traffic jams for hours.
Maintenance Reminders
The IoT has the potential to dramatically improve the way we service our vehicles. By using predictive maintenance, drivers and companies are informed about planned maintenance work, such as B. upcoming oil changes, notifying, and an urgent need. B. low tire pressure, alarms. In addition to the normal maintenance reminders, the collected data is processed using an algorithm that can predict future maintenance work based on the performance of the individual components of a vehicle.
Of course, this helps companies manage and maintain their vehicles, but it also benefits manufacturers. New vehicle models are continuously improved as performance data is collected and analyzed to identify weak points and improve the design. The shared benefit for consumers and manufacturers is the ability to predict and schedule maintenance to address problems before they result in major vehicle downtime.
Predictive maintenance was developed to reduce maintenance costs and risks and extend the life of vehicles. As this technology improves, there should be fewer unexpected roadside mishaps.
Connected Automobiles
One of the more extensive ways to use IoT in the automotive industry is to connect cars. Any car that is connected to the Internet is known as a “connected car.” This networking can take place with another vehicle, a driver, or a pedestrian and is used to carry out many functions.
This networking is made possible by an IoT network called “cellular vehicle to everything” or CV2X. It connects vehicles with smart traffic systems and enables the rapid transmission of information and improved communication between drivers and vehicles.
By communicating with other vehicles, location, speed, and dynamics can be communicated to avoid accidents. Communicating with pedestrians will help those on the road find taxis or ridesharing and change traffic signals at a zebra crossing. Connected drivers can be warned in real-time of vehicle or road conditions that are ahead. Connecting vehicles to the Internet will benefit manufacturers, businesses, drivers, and the general public.
Vehicle Infotainment
With the WiFi capability of cars, telematics functions are expanding like never before. Owners can now have a bird’s eye view of their vehicle or, thanks to external sensors and cameras, check the safety of their vehicle while they are not in the vehicle. Real-time alarm systems send alarms and notifications when someone tries to break into a vehicle.
This technology is also vital in emergencies. Vehicles equipped with IoT technology can quickly dispatch emergency services in the event of an accident and send data to a mobile application that the owner can access remotely. Many vehicles automatically call an ambulance or the fire service if the driver is no longer fit to drive.
The IoT has also made it possible to connect music systems or GPS devices to a smartphone. With voice technology, drivers are now used to telling the car to play their favorite song or station without taking their hands off the steering wheel or looking away from the road. Fleet drivers can also update their status, manage a range of deliveries, or avoid accidents without taking their hands off the wheel.
These features are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to in-car entertainment. Manufacturers are now developing complex infotainment systems that enable drivers to wirelessly access the Internet to receive function updates, software upgrades, bug fixes, and much more.
Autonomous Vehicles
Perhaps the most exciting use of the IoT in the automotive sector is its use by manufacturers to make vehicles autonomous. Vehicle manufacturers envision a world in which vehicles drive, park, and load and unload passengers and deliveries without human assistance. By eliminating the risk of human error, it is hoped that there will be far fewer accidents and that parking space will be reduced by eliminating the need to get in and out of the car.
While we are still a long way from fully autonomous vehicles, many manufacturers have used the technology to produce semi-autonomous cars and trucks that help with driving, parking, braking, and changing lanes.
These functions are achieved by using proximity sensors and cameras in conjunction with modern IoT systems, which help reduce driving errors. The race for fully driverless vehicles is not over yet. We will likely see them soon – many manufacturers and countries have prototyped and tested automated vehicles in the field. The aim is to develop vehicles that can do without human intervention and drastically reduce the number of road deaths, transport costs, and emissions.
5G Technology
To build fully autonomous vehicles and offer additional functions in vehicles, 5G technology has become a crucial component. Most vehicles are currently operated via the 4G network. However, this is not fast enough to generate the human-like reflexes that a vehicle needs for fully autonomous operation.
However, driverless vehicles are just one application of this technology. 5G will also be used for HD media streaming and other advanced IoT services for vehicles, e.g., B. for automatic lane changes and teleoperated driving. These constantly improving innovations will help reduce the number of traffic accidents and the detection of blind spots and braking.
Where Will The Path Lead Us?
The use of the modern IoT in the automotive industry has already changed our vehicles drastically for the better. IoT technology has had a positive impact on every aspect of vehicle use and manufacturing. From entertainment to security to trade, logistics, and economic efficiency. The applications have changed life, especially when you consider how young the automobile is in history.
As these technologies continue to improve over the years and the 5G network expands, manufacturers will continue to find new ways to implement them. With these innovations, one cannot know where the proverbial path will lead, but we can assume that we will see fully autonomous vehicles in the years to come. The future is closer than we think.
Also Read: With Cloud Platforms Into A New Era For Connected Vehicles
