According to Moore’s Law, computer chips double in power every two years. Since computers and the fundamental technology behind them have permeated almost every aspect of our life, this law can be applied to more than just your laptop. Cars are also advancing in such a way that arguably makes Moore’s Law applicable to them as well. Within the next five years, you can expect to see the following technological developments in the automotive industry.
A Car With An App
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show was a testament to Moore’s Law, especially given the car entry called the BUDD-e. This car is all about connectivity. We know that third-party or aftermarket technologies are going to be a big thing to auto manufacturers; the BUDD-e by Volkswagen was designed with this in mind. It has built-in connectivity to mobile devices such as the Apple 9.7 inch iPad Pro. From the BUDD-e, you can control your home or office environments, including temperature and appliances. From your home, you can start and unlock your BUDD-e as well as change the temperature and lighting.
Traffic Recognition
Google is presently working hard to make a self-driving car. Whether or not it will happen in the next decade is still to be seen, but one of the byproducts of the research is new traffic recognition software. Current GPS systems rely on government or user reports on traffic, meaning you could be sitting in bumper-to-bumper, but your GPS won’t know it unless someone reports it. A group out of Korea is developing a visual sensor system that will let your car “see” what is happening around it. Taking this and combining it with the existing traffic reporting technology will change the way and the speed at which we commute.
Your Mobile Office
More and more business is being done while in the car. This is why Microsoft is teaming up with manufacturers like Ford and Toyota to equip autos with a full line of modified Office products. It will be integrated within the infotainment system, the part that is responsible for your GPS and music, and will allow you to voice control most of the typical Office 365 suite functions. You will even be able to hold a Skype call while driving.
Intelligent Aerodynamics
In the near future, cars will be able to transform to match the aerodynamic needs of their motion. Mercedes-Benz already has a concept car that does just that. At speeds typically associated with suburban driving, the aerodynamic profile is one of a typical sedan, but at speeds over 90 km/hr, the car transforms so that the exterior matches that of a race car. Not only is this new technology cool on a marketing front, but it will also save distance drivers on fuel costs.
More Mileage
Of course the biggest technological change will come in the form of fuel efficiency. In the last 6 years, only three electric or hybrid cars have been developed for mass production. This changes in 2017, when four new electric/hybrid autos will be introduced from major manufacturers. Hyundai, Chevrolet, BMW and Ford are all rolling out new cars to rival the Tesla market. This large influx of alternative fuel automobiles will have a big role in changing the infrastructure of driving and the attitude of drivers.
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