IoT has revolutionized several industries, and the automotive industry is no exception. The Internet of Things (IoT) means connecting objects to the Internet to share information from sensors or receive commands to do specific tasks. IoT devices help collect synchronized data to understand a system better.
Do you remember the Batmobile from Batman and how it served as a self-sufficient crime-fighting machine? The concept of a self-driving vehicle like the Batmobile has always been fascinating. This intriguing idea is slowly becoming a reality thanks to automotive IoT.
This blog creates a complete picture of IoT in automotive industry and its profound implications, challenges, and promising future.
All set to spruce up your driving experience?
Then, scroll down to see what this innovative solution offers to savvy minds.
What is Automotive IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of connected devices that communicate with each other and share data. Therefore, in the car industry, automotive IoT ensures better navigation systems, improved safety, etc.
Different uses of IoT in cars have changed how drivers and manufacturers manage their vehicles. One of the ground-breaking examples of automotive IoT is driverless cars. It has the full potential to handle any condition or road without human intervention.
Undoubtedly, IoT has opened endless possibilities for automakers globally. Be it connected devices or fully automated cars, the implementation of IoT has impacted the industry. But does it have any benefit? Let’s find out.
Does Automotive IoT Benefit the Automobile Industry?
Since the Internet of Things aims to provide faster and more secure communication and distribution. As per automotive industry trends, businesses in automobile industry will benefit from it in multiple ways. These include:
1. Predictive Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance can be of 2 types: predictive and preventive. Predictive maintenance uses data and technology to monitor equipment conditions and predict when maintenance is needed, while preventive maintenance is performed at set intervals.
This is why vehicle owners always prefer predictive maintenance. IoT for automotive helps monitor the vehicle and its connected devices in real-time. This automatically predicts when a vehicle requires maintenance, eliminating any vehicular issue before it turns critical. Thus, with predictive maintenance, you can say goodbye to costly repairs.
2. In-vehicle Infotainment
Combining information and entertainment, an IoT-equipped car keeps you amused throughout the journey. Operating with either WiFi or a cellular network, it offers services like hands-free calling, music streaming, live navigation, and more.
To make it more autonomous, Apple and Google launched car-centric operating systems, CarPlay and Android Auto, in 2015. Additionally, this standard feature is currently present in most modern vehicles, blending convenience and capability.
3. Connected Vehicles
IoT in automotive system integration bridges the gap between smart transporting systems and modern vehicles. CV2X (Cellular Vehicle to Everything) allows vehicles to share information with:
- Other vehicles (V2V)
- Infrastructure (V2I)
- At-risk road users (V2P)
Through low-latency messages. It ensures immediate safety precautions, eliminating the risks of collisions.
4. Fleet Management
IoT automotive has made fleet management easier than ever. Therefore, in contemporary times, trucks and other vehicles have weight measurement, location tracking, and other sensor-oriented features.
All the sensors gather information and store it in the cloud-based memory. Furthermore, fleet managers can stay informed about the location of the vehicles and use the stored data to manage the fleet efficiently.
5. Smart Infrastructure
Smart infrastructure using IoT technology, helps drivers find open parking spots more easily. This reduces traffic jams and lowers emissions of toxic gases. They also efficiently use the existing parking space and improve traffic flow.
6. Remote Software Update
IoT-enabled vehicles can receive automotive software updates over the air. This makes the process easier for both drivers and manufacturers. Quick updates improve vehicle performance and help fix security issues, showing how IoT changes the automotive industry.
What are the Use Cases of IoT in Automotive Industry?
When discussing IoT in vehicles, we mean more than just connecting cars to the internet. It involves a wide range of ideas. IoT improves many areas of the automotive industry, such as data analysis, automation, enhanced connectivity, and more.
Here are some examples of IoT applications in the automotive industry:
1. Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are the most popular example of IoT applications in automotive. These vehicles, relying on the Internet of Things (IoT), can drive without human control. They use driver assistance systems and safety features to prevent accidents. In addition to these features, artificial intelligence in the automotive industry and automotive industry trends includes emergency braking, reducing distractions, and alcohol interlock systems making customer lifecycle management for automobile more accessible.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established five levels of car automation:
- Level 1 (Driver Assistance): A car can control steering or speed, but not simultaneously.
- Level 2 (Partial Automation): A car simultaneously controls both steering and speed, but only under certain conditions.
- Level 3 (Conditional Automation): A car stays in charge of steering and speed under normal conditions, but it requires human assistance in emergencies.
- Level 4 (High Automation): A vehicle moves autonomously without requiring driver’s supervision.
- Level 5 (Full Automation): The car moves in all conditions.
Driverless cars use sensors like lidar, sonar, and inertial navigation systems to navigate precisely on roads.
2. Usage-based Insurance
With the help of technology in vehicles, insurance companies are outlining policies based on people’s driving patterns. Sensors in the vehicle track speed, acceleration, braking, and phone use while driving. Additionally, insurance companies set personalized premium rates by looking at a driver’s habits.
This means that reckless drivers will pay more for insurance. In the future, it can aid in bringing down the number of road accidents, making public roads safer for everyone.
3. Optimized Car Manufacturing
Automotive IoT solutions in car manufacturing improve efficiency, cut costs, and produce higher-quality vehicles. Furthermore, auto makers use IoT technology to track the supply chain, monitor the condition of equipment, and take steps to prevent breakdowns.
By collecting large amounts of real-time data, they can find ways to reduce energy use and monitor the production line. This helps preserve vehicle quality at every stage of production.
What are the Challenges of Using Automotive IoT?
Despite the promising future of IoT in automotive industry, no one can deny its challenges. Here are some noteworthy hurdles:
1. Connectivity
High-speed internet is essential for cars with assisted or self-driving features. Even a slight loss of connection can cause navigation errors and lead to accidents.
2. Cybersecurity
Data protection is a significant concern in IoT in automotive cybersecurity. Connected vehicles generate substantial amounts of personal information, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
To ensure the safety of these vehicles, adherence to industry regulations such as ISO/SAE 21434 is quintessential.
3. Weather Conditions
IoT-enabled cars, including commercial ones, may struggle to work efficiently in harsh weather or remote areas due to poor connectivity.
4. Incompatibility
Car manufacturers use different communication systems, standards, and software when adding IoT technology to their vehicles. While this variety may not trouble drivers, it can cause compatibility problems for managing fleets and vehicle brands.
Real Examples of Automotive Companies Using IOT-Based Solutions
As the Automotive IoT market rapidly advances, key players are adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Let’s look at some of the automotive IoT companies:
1. Tesla
Tesla cars have advanced sensors and cameras, featuring Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. These sensors collect information about driver behavior, battery health, and vehicle performance. Tesla sends this data to their servers, where experts analyze it in real-time to fix issues before they become serious. Model X, Y, and 3 are some of Tesla’s popular models.
2. Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz is known for innovation. Their cutting-edge operating system, MB.OS includes many IoT features designed to make driving easier. Furthermore, their vehicles have advanced safety systems that use real-time data to improve road safety. These systems include blind-spot monitoring, collision prevention, and adaptive cruise control. Some of their popular models are E-class, S-class, etc.
3. BMW
BMW’s ConnectedDrive system uses IoT to provide real-time traffic updates, remote control of vehicles, and intelligent navigation. Sensors in the vehicle monitor different parts and send data to BMW’s cloud for analysis. Additionally, this helps with maintenance and improves reliability. M3 and M4 are some of BMW’s state-of-the-art models using automotive IoT.
How Spyne Can Help in Automotive IoT?
The automotive industry is transforming significantly thanks to the Internet of Things. As companies continue to push the boundaries of innovation, IoT will play an increasingly vital role in the future of transportation.
Spyne is here to help your business harness the potential of automotive IoT. Additionally, our dedicated AI-driven console comprises various features that use IoT data to make your dealership more customer-centric. Here’s a detail:
1. Inventory Management
Spyne connects with IoT-driven vehicles to share updates about live status, predictive maintenance and more. It also keeps an eye on the inventory level to precisely predict when to stock products, preventing stockouts and overstocking. With our cutting-edge inventory management, dealers can get complete visibility into inventory movement.
2. CRM Software
Our futuristic CRM software works with IoT data to monitor customer interaction and conduct post-sale follow-ups. This tool gathers data and nurtures leads for increased customer satisfaction and engagement. Additionally, Spyne allows dealers to seamlessly track and convert their leads from various media channels and marketplaces.
3. Automotive Website Builder
Spyne’s user-friendly website builder makes it easy for dealers to create attractive and mobile-responsive websites. Additionally, we elevate IoT-enabled dealerships by integrating real-time vehicle data.
Not only does it improve consumers’ engagement with AI tools, but also enhances search engine visibility of car dealerships.
Conclusion
Automotive IoT is shaping the future of transportation and redefining the definition of possibility. Whether, you are a dealer or a buyer, it is vital to adopt the Internet of Things to stay current with market trends.
Spyne uses IoT technology to help car dealerships be more customer-focused and smarter. Furthermore, IoT features like autonomous driving and smart maintenance aim to improve the safety and quality of future cars.
Similarly, Spyne’s AI in automobile industry tools intend to make online car shopping more efficient and personalized. By integrating IoT, Spyne is transforming how cars are sold and driven, setting new standards for the automotive industry.