A sleek and aerodynamic vehicle glides through the race track while the loud roar of a diesel engine thunders across the viewing pavilion. That’s a solid image of the automotive industry. However, newer digital trends are changing that image slowly but steadily.
Some automakers choose to embrace these changes, and thrive in a changing environment and meet rising customer expectations, while others become mere names in history. Theautomotive digital transformation is here to stay and no, it’s not just powered by AI!
Modern cars come with all kinds of sensors to keep you connected to the online world. That’s why the modern car isn’t just a vehicle, but a piece of dynamic tech with sensors and an internet connection that can be upgraded with every software update.
An array of sensors enable digital transformation in the automotive industry where modern cars can detect your driving pattern to provide better driving tips and also lower your insurance premiums. The infotainment system is also seamlessly integrated with your smartphone for easy hands-free calls, navigation, and streaming services and some are powerful enough to let you play graphically-demanding games.
If there’s one technology trend in the automotive industry that no one’s surprised about, it’s the rise of autonomous driving modes. Tesla successfully did it for the first time and sparked an arms race among all the automakers.
Driving to your destination without driving yourself can free up a lot of time and allow you to take a breather from your busy schedule or make the most out of it. However, despite all the hype and market demand, self-driving cars are still not here yet. The technology still needs to be fine-tuned and show regulators that it’s safe enough to be rolled out properly in the market.
3D printing cool stuff can be fun. However, AI is taking it to the next level by designing cars, engines, and airplanes. Machine learning algorithms can take historical data points, analyze them, and run extensive simulations to come up with more aerodynamic, lighter, and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
This remarkable digital transformation in automotive manufacturing leads to shorter product development cycles. It also allows manufacturers to provide the ideal upgrades customers are looking for.
Self-diagnosis tools and connectivity features are also making predictive maintenance a reality. Manufacturers can create and maintain a digital twin of your physical car with the help of monitoring sensors and run several simulations that align with your use pattern. This may help to identify problems early on and address them before your car breaks down.
This trend has been peeking at the automotive industry for a long while and may become a reality soon enough. With this kind of business model, customers are more interested in subscribing to a car instead of outright ownership. It offers manufacturers a steady stream of revenue and more upselling opportunities while consumers get to try out the latest models without going through the hassle of buying or selling their vehicles.
As the roar of the four-cylinder engine slowly gets replaced by the silent glide of EVs, the automotive industry is also moving towards a newer and brighter direction with these digital trends. So, are you ready to embrace the future? Drop a comment about the digital trend you are most excited about.
Mr. Robert Willson is one of the few geeks who never gets tired when it comes to technology. From the latest gadgets to AI and machine learning, Mr. Willson translates them into easy-to-digest insights. Where there is tech, there is him!
