Automotive Industry | 5 Latest Smart Car Tech

5 Smart Car Technologies that has Revolutionized Driving

Reading time: 4 mins

Are you aware of the latest smart car technologies available in the market? We’ve seen huge advancements in our automobile’s in-car Bluetooth, navigation and infotainment systems, but what’s the latest smart car technologies out there that have set a whole new pace in driving? 

Well, seeing that the technological revolution has changed the way we do just about everything, car manufacturers have also jumped on the smart-technology wagon. Automakers are constantly trying to stay up-to-date with new innovations that focus on safer, more comfortable driving, while adding some fun enhancements to your driving experience. 

In recent years however, environment-sustainability has become one of the important factors of new innovations in the automotive industry by way of low gas emissions, less road congestion, and ultimately reduced accidents. This has led to the birth of the electric vehicle with a rechargeable, battery-powered engine instead of a conventional gas, petrol or diesel engine found in traditional cars. 

What’s more exciting are the enhanced features of these electric vehicles, developed via integration of cutting-edge smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine-learning software.

To keep you up-to-date, we’ve listed the 6 latest smart car technologies already in the market and how these innovations will revolutionise the way people drive:
 

1. Self-Driving Cars 

Although seemingly out of a sci-fi movie, the idea of self-driving cars has become a reality and the tech is already being developed and tested by leading automotive companies such as Google, Tesla and Ford to name a few. The first self-driving car model was created by General Motors at the 1939 World’s Fair. It became functional in the late 1950s.

Self-driving cars typically come with smart cruise control and forward collision warning with a brake that maintains a pre-set distance between itself and cars in front. There’s also a brake and lane assist system that keeps the car straight down the highway and through gentle curves with no driver assistance needed. Some, like the Ford Fusion, even have active park assist with a forwarding sensing system that allows the car to park itself. 

This self-driving technology is set to allow the driver to have a relaxing journey with added safety. Undoubtedly, there is still more testing to be done, but once improved, there are many ways self-driving cars are expected to change our lives.
 

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Dashboards 

With the use of AR, our car’s dashboards now have the aesthetics of a video-game to give you a better gauge of your surroundings. For example, the AR dashboards – found in Mercedes, Tesla, BMW and Cadillac – are meant to display vital information of your car and journey as you drive to your destination.

Besides basic driving parameters displayed in your field of view, drivers will also see simplified navigation via coloured arrows and lines like reading Google map directions on your mobile phone. There’s also a display of pictograms conveying important information such as road signs, human or animal presence on the road, worsening road or weather conditions, and vehicle damage, to increase situational awareness and help drivers avoid collisions.
 

3. Smart Device Integration 

These days, car manufacturers are pairing up with other smart device makers to give drivers a seamless and integrated smart tech driving experience. For example, Hyundai has paired up with the Android Wear app to allow drivers to complete a number of commands from their smart watch. 

With this integrated technology, you will be able to start your car engine remotely, lock your car doors, sound your horn, and turn the headlights on and off by simply touching the screen of your smart watch. 

Some auto brands like Volvo, BMW, and Tesla are designed with built-in apps and many models now integrate popular apps into the infotainment system, making it look just like the screen of your smart computers.
 

4. 3D Gesture Technology 

This technology may also seem far-fetched, but today it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise that you’re actually interacting with your infotainment system using hand gestures – like in the Mission Impossible movies – or would it?

Set to make driving easier and safer, this smart-car tech allows drivers to accept an incoming call through the vehicle’s infotainment system just by a wave of their hand. No need to fiddle with your radio buttons or reach for your mobile phone while driving, putting yourself, your passengers and other road users in danger. It’s an innovation by BMW to ensure you’ll never have to take your eyes off the road. 
 

What is the latest smart car technology in the market?

Nissan's e-4ORCE technology that delivers bowl of ramen without spillage

Although surreal, you’ve probably heard of the first 4 smart-car technologies that are available in the car market. But, do you know about the latest e-4ORCE technology by Nissan? 

The latest e-4ORCE technology developed by Nissan is an advanced all-wheel control system that manages power output and braking performance precisely. The system enhances the driving experience by keeping to the intended driving lane over almost any road surface, including wet and snowy roads, without the need for changes in driving style.

Nissan also fine-tuned the e-4ORCE’s precision control technology to provide comfort for all vehicle occupants. Vehicle pitch and dive, which can cause motion sickness, are minimised through front and rear motor regenerative braking when the vehicle is slowing down. 

To showcase this cutting-edge technology, Nissan has equipped the e-4ORCE technology in a ramen server tray using two electric motors that operate independently. 

Yes, you read that right! Special tuning from Nissan engineers uses the e-4ORCE technology to deliver a bowl of noodles (on a tray) at the same acceleration and without spillage over the table countertop to eager diners. How cool is that? Check out the full video above to see how it works. 

Were you aware of these latest smart-car technologies already available? Does your car have any of these added features? Let us know about your smart-car experience in the comments section below.