The automotive industry is no stranger to change and disruption. Recently, we've seen the rise of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Another technology is beginning to significantly impact how automakers design and build cars: The Internet of Things (IoT).

With the advent of the internet of things (IoT), cars are becoming more and more connected. While this offers many opportunities for enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience, it also raises new challenges for automakers. To design vehicles that take advantage of IoT, suppliers and manufacturers need to understand how it works and its capabilities. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the ways IoT is being used in automotive design, and we'll explore some of the opportunities that come with incorporating connected devices into cars.

IoT is taking the automotive industry by storm. Here's what you need to know about how it's being used.

1. Connectivity

As cars become more and more connected, they're also becoming platforms for service delivery. This shift is driven by IoT, enabling manufacturers to embed all sorts of sensors and other devices in their vehicles. These devices collect data that can be used to provide various services, such as infotainment, navigation, and even maintenance and repair. By turning cars into service delivery platforms, manufacturers can differentiate their products and create new revenue streams.

2. Safety Features

One way that IoT is being used in automotive design is to enhance safety features. With sensors and connectivity, vehicles can now communicate with each other and with infrastructure to avoid accidents. For example, General Motors' OnStar system automatically uses a combination of GPS and wireless technology to call for help in the event of an accident. Mercedes-Benz's Vehicle-to-X technology uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) to exchange information about traffic conditions, weather, and potential hazards with other vehicles and infrastructure. This allows drivers to make informed decisions about their routes and avoid potential accidents.

3. In-Vehicle Entertainment

Another way that IoT is impacting automotive design is by improving in-vehicle entertainment systems. With the advent of 5G connectivity, streaming video and high-definition content will become a reality in cars—enabling passengers to stream movies or TV shows, play video games or even conduct video conferences while on the go. Automakers are already starting to integrate these features into their vehicles—for example, BMW's ConnectedDrive system offers passengers access to a wide range of digital content and services. Audi's MMI touch response system includes an LTE module for high-speed data transfer that supports streaming video and gaming.

4. Personalization

IoT also enables increased personalization in automotive design—from personalized infotainment systems to driverless cars that learn your preferences over time. For example, Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system uses voice recognition technology to allow drivers to control their vehicle's climate, navigation and entertainment systems hands-free. And Tesla's Model S can be equipped with autonomous driving features that will enable the car to learn your preferences over time—such as temperature settings, routes, and music preferences—and adjust accordingly.

5. Sustainability

IoT is helping designers create more sustainable cars. In the past, designing for sustainability was often an afterthought. But now, thanks to IoT, designers can integrate sustainable features into a car’s design. For example, some new vehicles are equipped with solar panels that can be used to power accessories like air conditioning and heated seats. Other cars use sensors and data analytics to help drivers plan more efficient routes that use less fuel.

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and IoT plays a vital role in that change. Connected and autonomous vehicles are just the beginning. In the future, we can expect even more advances in automotive design. Thanks to IoT, car manufacturers and buyers get to enjoy these improved features;

1. Enhancing Safety

One of the most important aspects of any vehicle is safety. And IoT is helping to increase the safety features in cars, trucks, and SUVs. For example, many new vehicles now have sensors that detect when another car is in your blind spot. Some vehicles even have sensors that will automatically brake if they sense an obstacle in front of them. Also, with sensors and other data-gathering devices embedded in cars, manufacturers can collect data on everything from how a car is driven to how it responds in different weather conditions. This data can then be used to improve the safety features of future models.

2. Improving fuel efficiency

Another significant benefit of IoT in automotive design is that it can help improve fuel efficiency. By collecting data on things like a car's speed, braking, and engine usage, manufacturers can make adjustments that will help future models use less fuel.

3. Reducing emissions

As environmental concerns continue to grow, many people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Luckily, IoT can help with that too! For example, some cars now have sensors that monitor tire pressure and adjust accordingly to help improve fuel efficiency. And even some all-electric vehicles use IoT to connect with the power grid and only draw energy when available at a low cost. So, not only does IoT make cars more fun to drive—but it also helps make them more environmentally friendly!

4. Making cars more connected

One of the most talked-about applications of IoT in automotive design is making cars more connected. With embedded sensors and other devices, cars can now communicate with each other and with infrastructures like traffic lights and road signs. This connectivity can help make driving safer and more efficient.

5. Best-in-class customer experience

In addition to improved safety, increased connectivity allows for enhanced customer experiences. For example, manufacturers can use data from connected vehicles to develop new features that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Additionally, this data can provide customers with tailored maintenance schedules and real-time traffic updates.

6. Streamlining Production

IoT is also changing the way automotive companies design and produce cars. In the past, designing a new car model could take up to four years from start to finish. But by using IoT data collected during the design process, companies can make changes much faster—sometimes reducing the time it takes to bring a new car model to market by up to 50%.

If you're an IoT supplier, there's a good chance you're wondering how to get involved in the automotive industry. It can be a daunting prospect, but it's also a lucrative one. Automotive design is always at the forefront of new technology. As such, there are many opportunities for companies in the IoT space to provide products and services that can help make car production more innovative and efficient.

As you can see, IoT has a significant impact on automotive design. At IoT2Market, we are helping car manufacturers make cars more user-friendly, safe, and sustainable. Join us in helping designers create better vehicles that meet the needs of today’s drivers.