Technology trends in Automotive Industry for 2021
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly directing us to autonomous vehicles that were once evaluated as the vision of the future. IoT in the automotive industry has also assisted in improving transportation efficiency, better driving experience as well as advanced vehicle management capabilities. 2020 has been a severe year for various industries, involving automotive, with margins and overall profitability under critical threat.
Eventually, just like how McKinsey described in 2016, the auto industry is slowly going towards the future age, wherein automakers will realize themselves creating more revenue and users will notice themselves enjoying innovative driving solutions. In this blog, we will take a look at technology trends in the automotive industry for 2021 that are extensive in the automobile supply chain.
Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) Update
FOTA is basically a remote software management technology that allows wireless firmware update on embedded systems via OTA software updates. The automotive industry is substantially utilized to update vehicle ECU software with new characteristics, enable bug fixes and restore older versions of firmware. It also assures that device downtime is decreased during updates.
A firmware server situated in an IoT Cloud Infrastructure transfers new firmware for the vehicle’s ECU via a wireless channel likewise BLE, WiFi, or GPRS.
During the FOTA update process, either the current firmware in the vehicle ECU is restored with a new firmware image, or a patch is included. From the automotive OEM’s point of view, allowing the FOTA update feature can decrease product recall expenses, enhance product quality, increase operational efficiency and also convey enhanced post-sale services to customers.
Road Condition Analytics and Navigation
The automotive navigation system market is predicted to listing a CAGR of over 7%, during the expected period, 2020-2025. Here one of the most powerful use cases of IoT in the automotive domain is road condition analysis as well as navigation assistance. Smartphone applications, enabled by AI, can recognize the condition of roads in real-time. This allows the driver to know about road closures, accidents, speed limits, construction work, etc., on the route. Additionally, technological advancements in the navigation system are assumed to drive the requirement for the navigation systems market, during the forecast. With the help of this data, the driver can take an alternate route to reach the destination.
An automotive navigation system is basically part of the automobile controls utilized to recognize the direction in an automobile. An automobile navigation system can depend on GPS or it can be DVD- or data-based as well.
The Smartphone apps are also incorporated with a navigation facility. This assists guide the driver to reach the destination while also giving the most ideal path based on real-time road conditions and traffic. This data can be valuable to drivers who are traveling through an unknown route.
Digital marketing and Trading
The advanced view of selling automotive vehicles online came to realize during the coronavirus crisis. Although when in-person visiting stores and test driving was an essential part of buying a car, the lockdown protocols that restricted the movement shifted its track to the online medium. Embracing digital strategy improves visibility also enabling to interact in an effective and timely manner with customers at the right place and right time.
Keep in mind that the current situations due to the COVID-19 crisis could change why people buy cars, with reports indicating that driving a private vehicle is secure than utilizing public transportation or a ride-hailing service. Not all, but at least a minute proportion of people feel confident about the change. Vehicle buyers are capable to compare various car models unlike going on with the dealer’s advice. Modern dealerships are attempting to normalize online car buying by providing provisions initiating form virtual tours to secure checkout, online financial options and returns policies. Still, this is assumed to change in 2021.
Onboard In-Vehicle Infotainment
Both basic and conceptual requirements of drivers and passengers require to be addressed during vehicle usage. The concentration will switch more toward self-fulfillment, which contains productivity and creativity by utilizing data and content. Embedded intelligence is not only to analyze critical vehicle parameters but also for infotainment, a revenue stream to be utilized. Recognizing that vehicle software can interrupt their traditional engineering strengths, some OEMs have designed their own vehicle operating systems.
A high-end IVI system is generally combined with:
- Interesting UI displaying infotainment modules
- Bluetooth connectivity along with smartphones
- Passenger as well as Driver seat temperature control system
- Event manager that handles the priority of tasks
Driver Monitoring System
A driver monitoring system can provide various data points to monitor the driver’s actions and send alerts in case of the driver is drowsy. With the help of low-power in-vehicle cameras and advanced vision technologies, the system allows real-time monitoring of driver actions and sends alerts to stop disasters.
The advantages provided by an extensive AI-based driver monitoring system contain driver behavior analysis, in-cabin occupancy and drive position analysis.
With the help of Driver Behavior Analysis, the driver monitoring system software can recognize rash driving, driver drowsiness, etc. This allows the driver to stay alert while on the road. The driver monitoring system can also be tailored to send reports of a driver’s behavior on the road and demoralizes rash driving.
The driver monitoring system can evaluate whether the driver is wearing a seatbelt or not. It can also be tailored to recognize driver is seated in the right position to stay away from any hazards when airbags are located.
IoT applications are recently specifying the strong position in the automotive industry. From COVID-19 to tech skills accessibility to government support, the auto industry requires to overcome and cooperate to transition from disruption to transformation, in order to keep its long track record of visibility and profitability.