The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation with the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies offer new possibilities for enhancing the driving experience and improving the safety and efficiency of the vehicles. In this article, we will explore some of the applications and benefits of AI and AR in the automotive domain.
1. IMPROVING NAVIGATION:
AR technologies are used to provide accurate information about the route and guidance on the road, which helps to avoid congestion and improve the navigation experience.
One of the challenges of driving is to find the best route and follow the directions without getting distracted or lost. AR technologies can help to overcome this challenge by projecting relevant information on the windshield or the dashboard of the driver, such as the distance, speed, traffic, and landmarks. This way, the driver can easily see the optimal path and the next turn without looking away from the road. AR navigation systems can also adapt to the driver's preferences and the environmental conditions, such as weather, time of day, and road hazards. For example, an AR navigation system can suggest alternative routes in case of accidents, road closures, or heavy traffic.
One of the examples of AR navigation systems is the [WayRay], which is a holographic display that creates a virtual image on the windshield. The WayRay system can show the driver the best lane to take, the distance to the destination, the estimated time of arrival, and the points of interest along the way. The system can also integrate with the voice assistant and the smartphone of the driver, allowing them to control the navigation and access other features with voice commands or gestures.
2. PROVIDING REAL-TIME INFORMATION:
AR technologies display detailed information on the windshield of the driver such as driving speed, road condition, and vehicle information, which helps to improve the awareness and safety on the road.
Another challenge of driving is to monitor the performance and status of the vehicle and the road, such as the fuel level, tire pressure, engine temperature, and speed limit. AR technologies can help to simplify this task by showing the relevant information on the windshield of the driver, along with the navigation data. This way, the driver can easily access the information without taking their eyes off the road or fumbling with the buttons or knobs. AR technologies can also alert the driver of any potential problems or dangers, such as low battery, overheating, collision, or lane departure. For example, an AR system can warn the driver of a pedestrian crossing the street, a car braking ahead, or a sharp curve ahead.
One of the examples of AR information systems is the [Continental], which is a head-up display that projects the information on the windshield or a transparent screen in front of the driver. The Continental system can show the driver the speed, the speed limit, the traffic signs, the warnings, and the messages from the vehicle. The system can also adjust the brightness and the position of the display according to the ambient light and the eye level of the driver.
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY:
AI technologies contribute to improving the safety and alert systems for the drivers, which reduces the road accidents and improves the level of security on the roads.
One of the main causes of road accidents is human error, such as distraction, fatigue, or impairment. AI technologies can help to prevent or mitigate these errors by providing assistance and support to the drivers. AI technologies can analyze the behavior and condition of the driver, such as the eye movement, facial expression, and heart rate, and detect any signs of drowsiness, distraction, or intoxication. AI technologies can also control the vehicle's functions, such as the steering, braking, and acceleration, and intervene in case of emergency or danger. For example, an AI system can activate the automatic braking system if it detects an imminent collision, or take over the steering wheel if the driver falls asleep or loses control.
One of the examples of AI safety systems is the [Mobileye], which is a camera-based system that monitors the road and the driver. The Mobileye system can detect the vehicles, the pedestrians, the cyclists, the lanes, and the traffic signs on the road, and provide the driver with visual and audible alerts. The system can also assist the driver with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and collision avoidance. The system can also communicate with other vehicles and the infrastructure, creating a network of connected and smart mobility.
4. IMPROVING THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PASSENGERS:
The technologies are used to provide entertaining and interactive experiences for the passengers in the car, which helps to make the trips more enjoyable and engage the passengers in the full driving experience.
One of the challenges of traveling by car is to keep the passengers entertained and comfortable, especially during long or boring journeys. The technologies can help to overcome this challenge by offering various options for entertainment and interaction for the passengers, such as games, movies, music, or social media. The technologies can also customize the content and the environment according to the preferences and the mood of the passengers, such as the lighting, the temperature, and the sound. The technologies can also create immersive and realistic experiences for the passengers, such as virtual tours, simulations, or holograms.
One of the examples of AR entertainment systems is the [Holoride], which is a platform that creates VR and AR content for the passengers in the car. The Holoride system can sync the content with the motion and the route of the car, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The system can offer different types of content, such as games, movies, educational content, or tourism content. The system can also connect with other devices, such as the smartphone, the headset, or the controller of the passenger.
5. FACILITATING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR:
AI and AR technologies are used to help the technicians and the mechanics diagnose and fix the faults and the damages in the cars, which saves time and money and increases the quality of the service.
One of the challenges of maintaining and repairing the cars is to identify and locate the problems and the solutions, which can be complex and time-consuming. AI and AR technologies can help to simplify this task by providing the technicians and the mechanics with the necessary information and guidance. AI technologies can analyze the data and the signals from the car, and diagnose the faults and the errors. AR technologies can display the information and the instructions on the device of the technician or the mechanic, such as the smartphone, the tablet, or the glasses. AR technologies can also overlay the virtual images and the animations on the real car, showing the technician or the mechanic how to fix the problem.
One of the examples of AI and AR maintenance systems is the [Bosch], which is a system that combines the AI and the AR technologies to assist the technicians and the mechanics. The Bosch system can scan the car and identify the components and the issues. The system can also show the technician or the mechanic the relevant information and the step-by-step instructions on their device. The system can also connect with the cloud and the database, allowing the technician or the mechanic to access the latest updates and the best practices.
6. ENHANCING INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY:
AI and AR technologies open new horizons for innovation and diversity in the design and development of the cars, which contributes to meeting the needs and expectations of the different customers and improving the driving experience.
One of the challenges of designing and developing the cars is to create and test new features and functions, which can be costly and risky. AI and AR technologies can help to overcome this challenge by enabling the designers and the developers to experiment and evaluate their ideas in a virtual and realistic environment. AI technologies can generate and optimize the designs and the models of the cars, based on the data and the feedback. AR technologies can visualize and simulate the designs and the models of the cars, allowing the designers and the developers to see and interact with them. AR technologies can also involve the customers and the users in the design and development process, allowing them to customize and personalize their cars.
One of the examples of AI and AR design systems is the [Gravity Sketch], which is a tool that allows the designers and the developers to create and modify the 3D models of the cars in a VR and AR environment. The Gravity Sketch tool can enable the designers and the developers to sketch and sculpt the models of the cars with their hands, using the VR and AR devices. The tool can also allow the designers and the developers to collaborate and share their work with others, and to get the feedback and the suggestions from the customers and the users.
CONCLUSION
AI and AR technologies are transforming the automotive industry, offering new opportunities and benefits for the drivers, the passengers, the technicians, the mechanics, the designers, and the developers. AI and AR technologies can improve the navigation, the information, the safety, the entertainment, the maintenance, and the innovation of the cars, creating a better and safer driving experience. AI and AR technologies are the new revolution in the automotive domain, and they are here to stay.