THE CHANGING FACE OF CAR TRAVEL

The cars of yesteryears were very different from the ones today. As cars get ‘smarter’ travel takes on a whole new dimension. Here is a peek into the technology involved in the cars of the near future.

- Harikrishna Khandavilli

The rapid advancement in automotive technology means the changes in the future are not just limited to within the vehicle. These changes will impact the way our vehicle interacts with us, passengers, the infrastructure, and other vehicles on the road. The vehicles of today, be it passenger or commercial, will essentially become ‘Computers on Wheels’ in the coming future. And a critical aspect of this transformation is connectivity.

Globally, connected vehicles are gaining traction. According to a report by Deloitte, 80 percent of Indian customers think they will benefit from the increased vehicle connectivity.

THE TECHNOLOGY INVOLVED

We don’t just buy a car today. We also buy a lifestyle. We are investing in ‘mobile living spaces.’ This means a device that can transport us from Point A to Point B is no longer sufficient. Today, we want intuitive and on-demand information that makes our driving experience convenient, comfortable, and safer. For this to happen, cars need to be connected and perform complex tasks.

For example, smartphones, which are considered an extension of the personal self, are required to be integrated into the car. The phone syncs with the car’s dashboard and navigation system the moment the driver enters the car. In fact, the process starts before the person sits in the car.

The vehicles of today, be it passenger or commercial, will essentially become ‘Computers on Wheels’ in the coming future. And a critical aspect of this transformation is connectivity