Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the automotive industry, enabling vehicles to perceive their environment, make decisions, and navigate complex scenarios with increasing autonomy. As reported by MDPI, AI algorithms in autonomous vehicles are enhancing safety, improving traffic flow, and paving the way for more accessible and efficient transportation systems.
Autonomous vehicles have sensors so the system can perceive what's happening in their surroundings. These sensors take in data, which will be used for constructing a 3D visualization of the environment, allowing AI algorithms to determine nearby objects and obstacles12. Common sensors are cameras to capture the environment, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) with laser beams for 3D mapping, radar to detect objects in case of low visibility, ultrasonic sensors for short-range detection, and GPS and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to identify the location and orientation of the vehicle34. AI merges and looks at all the inputs of these sensors to get an accurate depiction of the environment1. These multiple sources of information are necessary since it's not advisable to use only one or two depending on the circumstances. Each sensor has a function that it's most suitable for, but sometimes one sensor is rendered useless so another one has to pick up the slack— such as using cameras for clear images of the terrain but then switching to radar for times when the cameras are obstructed5. These sensors complement each other and guide the vehicle for a safer and more efficient ride24.
Using the sensors, AI can recognize whether there are any surrounding objects that the vehicle may collide with or take note of, but it still goes a step further by categorizing these objects. AI algorithms process the data from sensors and tell you precisely if you are encountering other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, traffic lights, or other obstacles12. To achieve this smart detection capability, AI undergoes region proposal and classification. One-stage detectors, such as YOLO (You Only Look Once) and SSD (Single Shot Detector), can do both at the same time for swift, real-time processing3. They separate a scanned image into a grid, where each grid cell is assigned bounding boxes and class probabilities for faster system recognition. Some models can even extract features and have multi-scale detection to identify and track objects more accurately4.
There are critical moments on the road when split-second decisions are essential for your safety. A human may be frozen in shock or fear to make those decisions, but synthetic intelligence won't. AI can now run vehicles on autopilot, especially when it matters most12. To do this, AI identifies incoming objects through real-time data processing and then foretells the most likely movements of these objects using predictive modeling3. It will control the vehicle's motion based on what it expects— taking over acceleration, steering, and braking whenever it deems necessary4. Despite this autonomy, you won't have to worry that its actions may keep you safe but will get you into unnecessary trouble since it still complies with safe driving practices and traffic laws4. The algorithms take into account your comfort and the efficient use of resources as well, allowing you to drive at ease without exhausting more fuel than you should5. Most autonomous vehicles even have electric power steering systems so you'll have a better grip on your direction and electronic throttle and brake-by-wire systems that let you smoothly speed up or slow down on the road6. Of course, AI can't drive your vehicle all the way by itself and will only assist you in making the experience better and more secure, so you must remain vigilant, alert, and responsible as a driver7.
The most attention-catching attribute of autonomous vehicles is their built-in AI assistants that can speak to you and listen to your commands. You may be familiar with the ones from popular brands like Volkswagen's IDA and Mercedes-Benz's MBUX. Such assistants employ machine learning and natural language processing to understand your orders, no matter how complex or simple they may be, and communicate with you like a real human.12 With AI vehicle assistants, you wouldn't have to worry about flipping multiple controls yourself because you can simply tell AI to do what you intend, giving you the space to focus on driving. They can perform voice-activated navigation, vehicle diagnostics, and entertainment operations. You can even connect them with your smart home devices. Ask the AI to play your favorite music, relay the weather report, or tell you which turn you should take next and it will respond!13
Artificial intelligence can even pinpoint any vehicle defects so you won't end up in accidents. Since AI can track your vehicle's vital components, such as the engines, tires, and brakes, it's also able to find out if something is wrong with them. The system will inform you of possible mechanical issues so you can take your vehicle to a repair shop and get it fixed.1 This is a very useful feature since you can act fast and prevent impending dangers that may cost the lives of you and your loved ones. Vehicles are also expensive, so knowing when you must have yours fixed and reconditioned will save you money from more costly repairs down the line or buying a new one. You may even extend your vehicle's lifespan as you do regular maintenance according to the AI's suggestions.
The automobile sector, like most other industries, is leveraging artificial intelligence to give drivers the most convenient driving experience possible. It's amazing how AI's various capabilities come together, making a vehicle more efficient, more comfortable, and leagues safer than its regular, AI-lacking counterpart. AI can streamline navigation, driving, diagnostics, and even your entertainment for the ride. An AI-powered automobile is definitely a better choice if you have the budget for it.12 However, you must not be overreliant on AI since it can only do so much when driving has its risks. You should always have the presence of mind while you're on the road and treat AI as your helpful driving companion. At the end of the day, it is you who is in the driver's seat.34