The dramatic technological advancements are set to improve the overall driving experience for motorists and improve safety. Nominations have been submitted for WhatCar?’s technology award category and enhancements range from entertainment upgrades to enhanced safety features.
Key upgrades include tools which will aid the development of driverless vehicles on the road in a major upgrade the automotive industry.
Matthew Avery, Director of Research for Thatcham Research and one of the judges said the award will celebrate the technologies which will establish the future of motoring.
He added: “At the same time, we are encouraging carmakers to consider how a new system is introduced so that it’s safe and drivers use it.
“We’re looking for the game-changers; technology that brings comfort and convenience benefits, while making the driving experience safer and more engaging.”
READ MORE: Expert says driverless cars are just ‘two to three years’ away
Driverless technology
Japanese car manufacturer Mazda has developed a driver monitor system which uses advanced cameras to track the alertness of a motorist.
The camera will look for things like blink rate, facial expressions and eye width to determine drowsiness and whether a road user is paying attention to the road.
The system sounds a warning alert if motorists are found to be falling asleep and which will trigger the brakes to automatically bring the car to a steady stop.
Subaru has developed a similar device where facial features are monitored and an alarm sounds if a motorist is deemed to be falling asleep.
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Volkswagen’s emergency assist system claims to be able to bring a car to an automatic safe standstill in a driver blackout.
The emergency assist system tries to wake a driver with jolts, steering wheel jerks or the sound of an alarm before slowing the car down.
Matthew Avery says although a niche feature it will need to be an essential technological function of automated driverless cars in the near future.
Road safety
Hyundai’s new centre airbag offers motorists extra protection from side impacts in a major technological advancement aimed at saving lives.
Matthew Avery says 20 percent of fatal and serious injuries are caused by secondary collisions between the driver and a front passenger.
Mercedes Benz’s new route-based speed adaptation technology registers road data to work out the average speed of bends and roundabouts.
The vehicle will make an assessment and slow the vehicle to an appropriate speed to reduce the risk of an accident.
Car communications
Volkswagen’s latest technological update is the Car2X communication system which can read road data and transfers this to your vehicle for constant updates.
All vehicles with the Car2X software with 800 metres will transfer data such as road changes, traffic lights and hazards regardless of the manufacturer and model.
Matthew Avery says this evolution will offer significant benefits to enable safer, more efficient driving and help reduce congestion on the roads.