What technology is used in autonomous cars? From communication to transportation, it integrates knowledge of different industries. Mixing technology from other industries has pulled new technologies, where autonomous vehicles and self-driving cars are some examples.
What Is the Future of Automotive Technology?
Autonomous car technology is evolving rapidly. There are two main types of autonomous vehicles: fully autonomous (also known as Level 4) and partially autonomous (Level 3).
- Fully autonomous vehicles can operate independently at high speeds and in complex urban conditions. That means they won’t need a driver to take over if something goes wrong.
- Partial autonomy involves some level of automation, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centric controls, etc. These features allow drivers to remain engaged and attentive throughout the entire journey.
Self-Driving Vehicles Technology
Autonomous cars have multiple tools to navigate roads safely and efficiently. Self-driving cars are already being tested across North America, Europe, Japan, China, Australia, and South Korea. The idea behind these vehicles is to eliminate human error when driving. They also promise savings in fuel costs.
Autonomous technology is applied to many different sectors, including transportation. Here are some of the significant technologies employed:
- LIDAR sensors: Detect objects in real-time using lasers. A laser beam is shot out (LIDAR) and then detects objects based on how they reflect at the sensor. Most modern vehicles have 4-8 LIDARs.
- Radar Sensors: Similar to radar guns, these sensors use radio waves instead of sound waves to detect objects. Modern vehicles have 4-16 radars.
- Vision Cameras: Modern-day vehicles have around 10 vision cameras used to detect objects.
- GPS & Maps: GPS satellites track your location and vehicle speed. Modern systems do not require maps, although earlier generations did.
- Laser Doppler Vectors: They only use infrared beams with the same principle as LIDAR sensors. They can provide a higher resolution image than radar sensors, which makes them helpful in detecting pedestrians and cyclists.
- Ultrasonic Sensors: They detect objects using ultrasound rather than electromagnetic radiation. These are not widely used in vehicles but can be seen in garages.
- Infrared Sensors: These sensors emit infrared light rather than radio waves.
- Microphones: These devices are commonly used in voice-activated navigation devices.
- Accelerometers: They measure the vehicle’s movements and are commonly used in game controllers, motion controls, and drones.
- Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) Sensor: They use a combination of lasers and optics to determine distance and elevation and are mainly for mapping purposes.
Implement Autonomous Technology
Autonomous cars rely on different technologies such as vision, sensors, machine learning, artificial intelligence, mapping systems, and wireless infrastructure. Some of these technologies are already being used today (e.g., LIDAR), while some are being developed (e.g., 3D maps).
ARRK Asia provides expertise in mechanical design model in Asia, helping your design include the latest developments in the field of autonomous vehicle development. Contact us today for more information on designing and manufacturing your autonomous vehicles.
