1. Google Driverless Cars
On the onset of winter break, on December 23, Google announced its first fully functional driverless car, which is ready for testing on public roads. Prior to this, the Internet giant developed various prototypes that lacked on different fundamental and functional aspects.
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On the onset of winter break, on December 23, Google announced its first fully functional driverless car, which is ready for testing on public roads. Prior to this, the Internet giant developed various prototypes that lacked on different fundamental and functional aspects.
The latest prototype has all the important elements like headlights, steering and brakes. The company have also created a self-driving system with sensors and computers that can be fitted to SUVs like Lexus. This new technology will not only be a breakthrough in tough traffic congestion but sensing technology can also increase road safety. Countries such as the UK and US are working on laws to allow driverless cars.
2. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
It has a hydraulic system and an electronic system. The electronic transmission control unit helps in engaging and disengaging the clutch and gear through an electronic actuator. It also has a sports mode, which enables drivers to move to the manual shifting of gear to increase and decrease the gear ratios with plus and minus either through gear knob /joystick or the steering. In India, AMT is currently available in three cars — Celerio, Alto K10 and Tata Zest.
3. V2V Communications
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It uses 'ad hoc network', where every car is free to associate with any other car available in the network and share equal status. V2V, which is also known as VANET (vehicular ad hoc network), is a variation of MANET (mobile ad hoc network). Many automobile manufacturers including are BMW, Audi, Honda, General Motors, Volvo and Daimler working and developing this technology to improve safety, overcome blind spots and avoid accidents.
4. Pre-Collision Technology
Top carmakers such as Ford and Hyundai have developed a pre-collision assist and pedestrian detection technology. Besides helping the driver detect blind spots, this technology also alerts the driver when he/she is not paying attention on the road. And if the driver falls asleep and does not respond to the warning, then the system applies the brakes on its own. The driver assist system has two types of sensors.
5. Smart Cars
Earlier, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Apple announced its 'CarPlay' software, which allows devices running on the iOS operating system to function with built-in display units of automobile dashboards. Carmakers like BMW, Daimler, JLR, Honda and Hyundai have installed it in their cars. Infotainment manufacturers like Pioneer & Alpine too have shown interest in Carplay from Apple.
