Cars are becoming smarter and smarter. The positive need to drive more conveniently and safely has led to the development of vehicles. As time passes, cars are showing rapid advancement in terms of autonomous driving, convenience and safety. NEXEN TIRE looks into some of the new technologies being integrated into cars.
The ‘autonomous driving technology’ that detects the surroundings on its own without the driver’s manipulation is now being fully realized. One of the related techniques is the cruise control system that maintains speed. Recently, it has developed into a technology more adaptable to the road. The ‘adaptive cruise control system’ collects data ahead of the car through its radar and automatically controls speed if it detects that a car in the same lane is slowing down, thereby maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. It also recognizes lanes, suggesting that autonomous driving, which we have only seen in the movies, has now become a possibility.
The ‘pedestrian collision avoidance system’, which detects pedestrians that the driver failed to notice via camera and alerts the driver to be careful, also helps prevent major accidents by automatically operating the brake in case of emergency. Also, the ‘pedestrian-avoidance steer assistance system’ automatically restores steering power via sensor and camera when the driver suddenly turns the steering wheel to prevent a collision with a pedestrian or an obstacle, thereby preventing secondary accidents caused by incident management.
The ‘parking assist system’, which previously only allowed for reverse parallel parking, now offers automatic perpendicular parking and for when pulling out of a parking space. The ‘automated parking system’ that is developed to operate in a smaller space helps inexperienced drivers overcome their fear of parking.
Autonomous driving not only improves the convenience of drivers but also increases fuel efficiency and output of vehicles. The recently developed four-wheel drive hybrids have the engine and electric motor divided between the front and back wheels. The front wheels have the power of the engine and motor to increase traction, while the back wheels have the electronic motor to recharge batteries automatically while braking.
No more blind spots while driving! You couldn’t perfectly identify the blind spots with room mirrors or side mirrors. Now the rear camera mirrors will allow you to see the full rear view on the screen of the room mirror. It provides vision that is three times wider than a regular room mirror. The surround vision camera shows a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings on the screen, which helps the driver drive through tight spaces. These days, more and more cars are also applying a night vision system that shows people or animals in the dark using a thermal infrared camera.
Also, there has been a recent development of the inflatable safety belt technology that absorbs shocks with the safety belt expanding in case of emergency for backseat passengers who could only protect themselves with a belt. This distributes pressure on the passengers and lowers the risk of injury to the neck and chest.
There are also many new functions created by the development of smart phones and wearable devices.
You can open and close car doors, start the car, or check the location of the vehicle using a smart phone app or smart watch. The predictive user experience that communicates with the driver based on the driver’s driving habits or history is also an extremely futuristic technology. For example, the system perceives the weather outside and the driver’s mood and predicts the destination. Once this technology is universalized, you will be able to drive towards the vast ocean with a clear view without having to touch the wheel on a gloomy day.
Technology is becoming more advanced every day, and it is being quickly applied to real life. We can now see a few technologies emerging that consider not only the drivers but also passengers and pedestrians. We look forward to the future of cars that will further enrich our lives.
