From VR to online shopping, there are no shortage of technological advancements that have driven innovation in the car industry. This shift has been largely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but most commercial spheres have been heavily incorporating digital elements to keep up with market demand.
The online automobile market has been a major catalyst for tech brands around the world. Now, they’re using some of the industries top gadgets to improve safety, customer satisfaction, and brand awareness in 2020.
Read on to learn about some of the top technologies that are transforming the automobile industry.
Automatic Forward-Collision Braking
Sometimes, even the most careful drivers don’t have enough time to stop from hitting an upcoming barrier – such as a car that braked too quickly. Automatic forward-collision braking does exactly what it sounds like it would be used for. By recognizing the oncoming object using sensors, the car can actually brake for you or warn you faster than your eyes would allow.
No matter how carefully you drive, we’re all only human. This tech development has the potential to save countless lives by preventing these common accidents.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
These systems are taking over the gaming sphere, but virtual and augmented reality have given auto brands and buyers a way to use these products in a new way.
Virtual reality headsets allow vehicle technicians to work together during the pandemic, and digital test models are much safer and cheaper than practical prototypes. Another safety-enhancing feature that technology is responsible for is augmented reality-assisted navigation and in-car alerts.
By projecting digital information in the driver’s direct line of sight, you no longer have to worry about hitting someone when you’re glancing down at driving directions on your phone.
Augmented reality is also a safer way to handle in-car entertainment, and it makes the experience actually hands free for drivers and passengers.
Consumers aren’t the only ones who benefit from the use of augmented reality in the auto industry. Manufacturers and retailers also save money by using digital solutions as opposed to brick-and-mortar merchandising space.
Brands can reach their audience via VR-enabled social media ads, or complete online marketplaces that showcase 360-degree images of their entire inventory. Furthermore, customers are able to safely shop from home.
Virtual Lending
Just like technology has led to the ecommerce boom, the lending industry has found a way to reach customers during the ongoing global health crisis. Even though we’re all stuck at home, it’s still possible to get an auto title loan or a car loan without leaving your house.
Using just a mobile app or your phone’s camera, you can provide sufficient information to complete an instant rate quote or preapproval application.
For those who have found themselves in an economic hard spot or want to purchase a vehicle online, improved internet connectivity and mobile shopping platforms have made the process easier than ever.
Backup Cameras
What’s your least favorite aspect of driving? Most of us would probably agree that any time you’re driving in reverse is going to be more stressful than going head on. Thankfully, auto brands have realized the need and responsive backup camera technology becoming smart enough to see things before we can.
Using preventative safety technology like backup cameras can cut down backup crashes by at least 78 percent.
This tech tool is also one of the most effective ways to cover the “blind zone” behind the taillights. Never worry whether a small animal, child, or physical obstacle is resting right below your line of sight.
Lane Guide Assistance
Self-driving cars have reached the mass market, and they’re becoming more and more sophisticated when it comes to detecting road fixtures and objects. Using holographic projections and multiple smart sensors, cars can detect the lanes in the road and help drivers stay within these bounds.
This feature is not fully autonomous, but it can help to cut down on road collisions and car-related injuries by:
- Improving blind spot visibility
- Alerting the driver in real time
- Displaying notifications without obstructing driver sight
The same technology that is helping doctors learn surgical tactics remotely is helping auto manufacturers make cars smarter and significantly safer.
The auto industry has been a major player in the pioneering of new technical developments and digital tools. They’re using a wide range of interactive and highly visual mediums to make cars safer, better, and more affordable than before.