The future of connected cars

We are entering an age where sensors, computers and devices are con­nected in a self-managing ecosys­tem. The concept of connected de­vices, generally known as the Internet of Things (IoT), is set to explode into a revolution in the time ahead. The goal is to achieve hu­man-to-human, human-to-ma­chine and machine-to-machine in­teractions that enrich our lives. The number of connected devices is rapidly increasing and expected to increase by 30 percent in 2015 to 4.9 billion by 2020 according to a Gartner report. The connected car is already a reality. In all vehicles, wireless connectivity is rapidly ex­panding, from luxury to high-vol­ume mid-market models. This changing landscape of connectivity will build a new set of specifications for cars of the future. The increas­ing need for digital content within vehicles has emphasised the need for the latest infotainment systems and created opportunities for app developers and graphic designers. According to a recent McKinsey report, the prominent increase in vehicle connectivity that is trans­forming the automotive sector, could boost the value of the global market for connectivity compo­nents and services to €170 billion (£127 billion) by 2020, over five times more than today’s €30 billion. The car of today is already packed with electronics with the highest density of electronic components versus other consumer machines. A host of technologies power it, falling into three domains: safety and secu­rity; infotainment and telematics; and powertrain/fuel economy – all richly enhanced with the benefit of connectivity and data transfer. Infotainment and telematics cen­tre on technologies that enable smart traffic management, posi­tioning & location-based services, car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication and – in the future, perhaps – autonomous driving. The powertrain/fuel economy domain features technologies in engine con­trol, shift-by-wire, stop/start, en­gine downsizing, vehicle electrifica­tion and street predictability. Safety, no doubt, is a serious con­cern for car users. Armed with smart sensors to detect the sur­rounding environment, internet connectivity and satellite position­ing to establish relative location, cars can share information on traffic and road conditions for more safety. An innovative example of telem­atics in India is in the state of Ker­ala. A She-Taxi service has been launched in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki Ltd and Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation to boost safe travel for women. It has been designed and integrated with web-mobile based convergent technologies that monitor and track activities of both passengers and cab drivers. She-Taxis are well equipped with several safety fea­tures like separate safety alert switches for drivers and passengers, driver safety systems on a mobile phone, safety alert receivers at con­trol stations, GPS-tracking, control­ling speed, rash driving, sudden braking and turning, remote engine switch-off and theft protection - all an extension and part of telematics for making taxi services safer. According to Frost & Sullivan, the telematics market in India is ex­pected to reach 1.3 million units by 2021. Infrastructure development will be critical to innovation in tele­matics. Government policies on the installation of telematics devices in commercial vehicles will help its growth. Currently, 2G/2.5G-based modules have dominated the In­dian telematics market, but with the launch of 3G and 4G networks, a shift is expected. Telematics applications can auto­matically execute emergency assis­tance calls in case of an accident. Vehicle maintenance, the preventive route to car safety, is being greatly enhanced. Remote diagno­sis of the vehicle and data logging can track and highlight the need for running repairs. Telematics also en­ables anti-theft features to track stolen cars. On a macro level, the In­ternet of Cars can enable intelligent traffic forecast and management through a unified communication network for vehicles, leading to safer roads, less congestion and lower emissions. GPS technology has improved accuracy and re­sponse time in determining vehicle position to go beyond basic naviga­tion to safety-related applications. Automobile companies are col­laborating with telematics module manufacturing companies to de­velop in-built systems during the production process itself. Added to this, low-cost telematics solutions are encouraging end users who can now enjoy affordable services. The Internet-ready vehicle brings with it a host of security concerns about the data it will generate. Like smartphones, new-technology cars are also facing critical issues related to business models and standardi­sation. The absence of a certified body or standardisation agency for regulating the telematics industry is the biggest challenge faced by the sector. Regardless of core challenges like technology adoption, develop­ing countries hold massive potential to leverage and reap the benefits of innovations in this field.