How AI is Changing the Future of How we Interact with Cars We have today the future- where cars may just decide to take the next step and get themselves to the body shop
By Mihir Mohan
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Technology has always had a home in the automotive industry. With car production lines amongst the first implementers of the Hawthorne Experiment findings, cars have been at the forefront of how we behave alongside machines. And vice versa.
Over the years technology has changed from handheld spanners to robotic arms and is now moving to a full-fledged Artificial Intelligence (AI) modules. While production will always have a limited scope, user experience with AI is a continually evolving process, developing protocols for personal experiences. What started with chips sensing tune-up schedules, we have today the future- where cars may just decide to take the next step and get themselves to the body shop.
Automated vehicle prognostics
Cars require tune-ups and we forget it. This is a truth of life which AI is changing one day at a time. While basic models have lights & sensors, AI-based models will continuously map the user journey to check for problems, analyse trends and inform the rider for future conditions which could crop up. This will help the user know everything about the car and the domino effect as well, which may be happening in the car.
Service & repair estimation
Maintenance schedules can have varying costs depending on the condition of the car and usage patterns. Servicing schedules could put a dent in budgets because of uncertainty on the user's part. With implemented AI modules, service costs & estimations can be a reality because it continuously monitors the condition of the car and lets riders know what to expect. A successful module will also let the user know the resale value to be expected at defined periods.
Voice Commands
While auto-driving will take some more time to be commonplace, voice commands have already started with basic instructions. While playing music, placing a call or checking for directions are becoming the norm with docked smartphones, AI implemented vehicles will become true partners like Kitt the night rider. A hearty conversation seems to be on the cards with machine language turning to human language with every passing day.
Accident Warnings
Multi-tasking is AI's USP. While driving, playing a song and talking to you, the car is still calculating terabytes, possibly petabytes, of data. This data could be in checking the weather, sensing humidity levels, road tractions & friction, cars & their speeds in the vicinity, gauging sudden road obstructions and more- all to keep you safe. AI is not just about letting you talk, it's also about letting you walk.
System failure diagnosis
A fully implemented AI module will not just find out a problem, it will remedy it as well. With smart cars to be the norm in the future, successful AI modules will be able to correct most issues in a car because they will be software related. While changing tyres may be a little distant for now, AI will be the decision maker in making an effective diagnosis, recommending a course of action and in several cases, will take an action.
