With an annual output exceeding 70 million vehicles, the automotive industry is one of the world's largest manufacturing sectors. Despite these figures, the industry has not achieved significant breakthroughs due to a lack of innovative technological features. Advanced safety technologies and connected entertainment are becoming standard features in most vehicles, but few manufacturers are able to incorporate a truly "wow" element into their products.
The Internet of Things (IoT) can change this. This disruptive technology is helping automakers realize these possibilities and create the next generation of cars. The IoT impacts not only consumer vehicles but also those being manufactured.
From edge computing to smart sensors to cloud services, Lantronix collaborates with leading global automotive companies and is developing numerous new applications for the industry’s modern IoT technologies.
fleet management
Commercial fleet management aims to improve productivity and maintain smooth, efficient operations. The Internet of Things (IoT) helps fleet operators optimize maintenance and logistics, improve driver performance, and comply with environmental and safety regulations through tools such as vehicle tracking, fuel usage monitoring, driver health and performance statistics, and preventative maintenance reminders. IoT sensors can be embedded in vehicles to send alerts for coolant temperature, low battery power, or engine malfunctions. Trip planning can also be automated, providing better delivery times and superior service for customer satisfaction.
Vehicle telematics
Vehicle telematics is already in use in vehicles, including automated GPS navigation, wireless communication, driver assistance features, and vehicle tracking. The Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics can be combined to enhance connectivity and electronic devices, allowing communication between devices via the cloud. This provides real-time insights into driver health, vehicle status, and trip optimization. Other advantages of IoT-enabled telematics include remote functions such as speed limit control, collision notification, emergency response, and turn-by-turn navigation. The IoT not only makes driving easier but also safer.
Predictive technologies supporting the Internet of Things
IoT-connected devices combine edge computing, cloud computing, and data collection and analysis to assess vehicle risk and predict potential vehicle health issues. The system evaluates vehicle risk based on past and current health data, transmitting this information via the cloud and notifying the driver. Examples of predictive maintenance include identifying component failures, calculating remaining component lifespan, measuring performance parameters, and reducing vehicle ownership costs. With this capability, IoT connectivity can help drivers keep their vehicles in optimal condition and save money on future repairs and breakdowns through continuous and timely maintenance.
Cellular mobile vehicle to everything (CV2X)
Network connectivity is becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Features such as real-time weather and traffic alerts, connected infotainment, and remote emergency response require network connectivity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) uses device-to-network or device-to-device methods to connect vehicles via CV2X.
Device-to-network (DTN) communication enables vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication with cloud services for real-time traffic planning and reporting. Device-to-device (DTN) communication allows vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication for collision avoidance systems, location and route information, traffic signal timing, and safety warnings for pedestrians, cyclists, or animals on the road.
In-car infotainment
With support for 4G LTE Wi-Fi, IoT-based smart applications offer drivers virtually unlimited entertainment and connectivity options. Many vehicles integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to connect their smartphones to play music, podcasts, and other streaming media. Google also offers navigation and Google Assistant for hands-free infotainment navigation while driving. Another feature of the in-vehicle infotainment system is remote access to the vehicle to open and close doors, start the ignition, or access location data.
5G technology
5G technology is a crucial component of future fully autonomous vehicles. Most vehicles with built-in Wi-Fi use 4G LTE, which cannot provide the rapid response required for fully autonomous vehicle operation. Currently, automakers are focusing on semi-autonomous driving with features such as parking assist, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
5G technology can be used for high-definition media streaming and advanced autonomous functions, such as automatic lane changing and remote driving. These functions can be combined with existing advanced safety technologies, such as blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, to reduce traffic accidents and make drivers and pedestrians safer.
Vehicle Engineering and Production
The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the automotive industry has expanded to the manufacturing and production sectors. IoT enables manufacturers to meet growing market demands and align with existing business objectives.
By collecting information about how drivers use different technologies, manufacturers can modify, improve, or eliminate features when designing and developing new vehicles. Manufacturers can also collect error data on vehicle systems or components to facilitate timely vehicle recalls and provide support and updates to drivers. Finally, data analytics allows manufacturers to offer paid, targeted content to drivers for a better customer experience.
Car insurance
While it may not garner as much attention as futuristic self-driving cars and the world of readily accessible entertainment, the Internet of Things (IoT) holds significant value for auto insurance. Companies can access data on vehicle condition, driver style, average mileage, and other factors affecting driving safety. This allows insurers to more accurately calculate premiums and assess the causes of collisions.
The result is optimized auto insurance based on driver behavior and vehicle, saving drivers money and reducing unnecessary losses for auto insurance companies.
Driver monitoring and safety
The application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in collision prevention or reduction stems from better collision avoidance technology and improved driver behavior. Using sensors, IoT-enabled systems can predict driver behavior to provide additional protection in high-risk situations and accurately report to insurance companies in the event of a collision. Biosensors can also monitor the driver's physical condition to track mental and physical health, such as alertness, heart rate, and respiratory rhythm. If the driver exhibits drowsiness, inattention, or potential health problems such as heart disease, the system can predict the driver's behavior and issue an alert.
Looking to the future
From telematics to predictive maintenance, modern Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have revolutionized the automotive industry, enhancing driver comfort, convenience, and safety. The adoption of IoT has been rapid and remarkable so far, but we can expect it to only become more sophisticated as manufacturers discover new and innovative possibilities in the near future.
