In recent years, the significant amount of data available has impacted every facet of our daily existence. If not entirely, the high technology landscape will be predominantly data-centric in the not-too-distant future. The sophisticated tech landscape has spurred a new ecosystem which not only gathers data but also transmits it to other devices, analyses it, and makes selections based on it, all without the requirement for human interplay. Say hello to the world of the Internet of Things (IoT).
What is an Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a mash-up of two words: Internet and Things. The internet is characterized as a network that offers a wide range of data information and communication and binds billions of people using standard internet protocols. To establish communication and share pertinent information, various sectors and organizations are linked by the internet via multiple technologies, notably mobile phones and personal computers. The second term is ‘things,’ which are objects that become smart and intelligent by incorporating a wide range of technology. Therefore, IoT can be a gateway between the digital and physical worlds. A slew of connected devices, including sensors and actuators, connect physical reality to the digital environment.
Growth of the automotive sector
The automotive industry is among the world’s largest manufacturing industries. In 2020, it managed to produce approximately 78 million units globally. Through decades of evolution, India has emerged as a significant player in the global automotive industry, ranking third in the Asia-Pacific region in 2021. The Indian automobile industry accounts for nearly 6.4% of India’s GDP and 35% of manufacturing GDP and simultaneously creates meaningful employment opportunities.
IoT in Automotive Sector
By applying the concept of IoT in the automobile industry, it can be subdivided into three distinct branches. The first branch is vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity, premised on connecting two or more neighbouring vehicles. The second branch concentrates on vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity, a connection with the external infrastructure. The third branch is vehicle-to-device communication, which covers connection with equipment or internal/external devices. IoT tech devices are primarily used in the automotive industry to develop pioneering and cutting-edge solutions such as Connected Car Solutions, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems, Navigation & Telematics Solutions, Predictive Maintenance Solutions, Vehicle-to-Vehicle Applications, and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Applications.
As the popularity of smart and connected cars is rising exponentially, it is rightly predicted that car makers will incorporate in-built connectivity, internet access, and IoT systems in almost all of their upcoming models. The Indian IoT market is projected to reach $9.28 billion by 2025, up from $4.98 billion in 2020, owing primarily to changes influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for automated processes. Let’s understand the three ways IoT is going to change your driving experience:
Connected Car Ecosystem
The Connected Car Ecosystem is being built jointly by several automobile manufacturers, telecommunications service providers, and software companies. A connected car uses onboard IoT sensors and internet connectivity to improve users’ in-car experience. IoT-supported connected cars don’t just provide access to the internet while driving but also enable the exchange of crucial information between cars and other devices. Connecting vehicles improves the safety of passengers and pedestrians with the possibility to communicate in real-time using data gathered from multiple sources. In an interconnected IoT world, you may also constantly receive real-time data about traffic patterns, road closures, and public transport travel schedules to assist you in travelling from one destination to another most conveniently and smartly.
On-Board Diagnostics for Predictive Maintenance
On-board diagnostics is now possible thanks to IoT devices that can be easily retrofitted in the vehicle to supervise automobile service and diagnose any issues that may arise or have occurred within the system. Emissions, mileage status, engine health and temperature, battery status, preventive maintenance notification, fuel monitoring system, over-speeding alerts, and other faults provide drivers with a complete picture of the vehicle’s performance. The data is processed by IoT predictive analytics, which evaluates the condition of individual components and assesses the risks of malfunction. Proactive service alerts can be sent to drivers’ smartphones, and potential faults can be recognized for early diagnosis and care.
Infotainment
The IoT is the main driving force of modern in-vehicle infotainment systems. IoT connects infotainment systems to other in-vehicle systems and external devices for high-speed internet access. IoT-enabled infotainment systems can support navigation, telematics, rear and front seat entertainment, and smartphone connectivity for hands-free operation via voice commands. IoT infotainment options, therefore, create a safer in-car experience helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
Conclusion
The continuously evolving face of the automotive industry presents automotive manufacturers with both a challenge and an opportunity. While implementing IoT solutions, the substantial challenges that may be encountered must be carefully evaluated. The opportunities are to use technological leaps such as computing power, storage, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT solutions to create additional value for the customer and turn what was previously science fiction into reality.
