New technologies in the car industry are making cars more and more comfortable and safer. Automakers are regularly presenting interesting technologies to the world which could be put into production in the near future. Some of them are already in active use. Let us list the most original innovations.
Gesture control
BMW Corporation presents its innovative concept Vision Next 100, which uses a gesture control mechanism. The top part of the dashboard has sensors that monitor the movements of the hands. This allows the windows to be opened and the heating to be activated without making contact with the dashboard.
The first serial automobile in which this technology was implemented was the BMW 7-Series. In Germany, Gesture Control allows the user to change radio stations, adjust the sound, receive and reject phone calls by using gestures in the air. There is no longer any need to touch the touchscreen to issue commands. A similar system is used in the Volkswagen Golf, in which it is possible to gesture for the climate control and open and close the sunroof.
Airless tyres
Bridgestone Corporation has developed non-pneumatic (airless) tyres. They are intended to be an environmentally friendly alternative to classic tyres. Airless tyres feature a specific construction made of thermoplastic resin, which supports the weight of the car by means of curved spokes.
Air tyres are superior to standard tyres in several respects. Their creators managed to solve the problem of punctures, to level out the probability of tyre blowout, because it does not contain air. Airless tyres are lighter because they don’t have metal rims. They maintain their performance even after 30% damage. They are characterised by smooth running, and bumps in the road are enveloped by the plastic shape of the wheels. They reduce fuel consumption and are easy to mount on vehicle axles.
Alco-lock
Honda and Hitachi have created a special key that acts as a breathalyser, capable of detecting the concentration of ethanol in the driver’s bloodstream in 3 seconds. The measurement is performed by semiconductor sensors. They detect not only alcohol but also hydrogen, a product of the decomposition of acetaldehyde. If the system determines that the driver is drunk, the ignition is blocked electronically and the engine will not start. The result of the alcohol test is shown on the car’s multimedia display. The police will not be notified.
Body panels that store energy
Another interesting innovation is the body panels that store energy.
Hybrids are expected to account for 50% of all new cars coming off the production line by 2040. But such vehicles have a major drawback: the batteries that are used to power the engine are too large and heavy. This also applies to lithium-ion batteries.
European car manufacturers have teamed up to test body panels that store energy and release it several times faster than conventional batteries. They are made of a polymer carbon fibre combined with resins. They are characterised by their durability, yet remain flexible. The weight of vehicles will be reduced by about 15 per cent as a result of this development.
Smart tinting
When listing the innovative technologies in cars, we should also mention the smart tinting that allows you to adjust the light permeability of the window as you wish. The window’s light transmittance will change according to the driver’s preference or in response to a command from an electronic control module.
The Intelligent Glass Control technology is implemented through a membrane with electrochromatic particles. Their position is altered by the electric current, making the glass darker or lighter.
The light permeability of the window can also be adjusted automatically, for example depending on the amount of sunlight entering or exiting the tunnel. The tinted glass can also be partially tinted to avoid the need for sunscreens.
This technology has already been used by the carmaker. In the first-generation Maybach limousines, the light transmission was altered at the driver’s command.
Cars that communicate with each other
There is more and more digital technology in cars. American scientists are working on systems that will allow drivers to transmit data about their location, speed and direction. This will help to maintain a safe distance and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Cars communicating with each other will become a reality very soon.
