car can Dangerous for occupants – more than 1 million people die in car crashes worldwide each year. Another 200-50 million people report non-fatal accident-related injuries each year. These are grim statistics.
But driving doesn’t have to be like this. While many of us hope that, over time, self-driving cars will gradually reduce the number of accidents that occur each year, automakers aim to see progress more quickly. In fact, by 2023, automotive safety issues may have been significantly resolved.
Automakers including Mazda and Toyota are building a new generation of cars equipped with an array of sensors — from steering wheel-mounted ECG sensors to earbud sensors that can detect when a driver is unfit to drive. This includes sudden illnesses such as heart attacks, seizures or nausea, and even drunk driving. Human error accounts for more than 90% of all automotive accidents, and the introduction of multimodal sensors (such as the mentioned optical sensors and physiological monitors) into cars will continue to reduce the risk to the driver and others on the road.
Most importantly, by 2023, a new generation of cars will not only keep you safe, but also keep you healthy while driving.
Through 2023, we will continue to see increasing intersections between health, mobility, and artificial intelligence—particularly the development of multimodal sensors to track and positively influence a driver’s health and wellness (physical, emotional, and psychology). Take, for example, Audi’s “urban circle” concept, which was unveiled earlier this year. The vehicle will include a stress detection program that combines technologies such as facial scanners and voice analysis monitoring systems (all powered by artificial intelligence) to assess how drivers are feeling at any given moment behind the wheel. This real-time data is then used to provide drivers with personalized relaxation recommendations, which may include guided meditations.
We’re seeing similar technology applications emerge in other automotive leaders like Hyundai. The company’s “smart cockpit” is equipped with sensors that record the driver’s vital signs and adjust the car’s condition based on the data collected. For example, if CO2 If the water level in your car is registered as too high or dangerous, your car may roll down the windows or activate the air conditioning system’s external circulation mode. This is a continued acceleration of programs being developed by companies including Mercedes, in which in-vehicle comfort features such as the Energizing Coach recommend appropriate health interventions based on the driver’s monitored stress levels.
With more than 65 million cars sold worldwide this year, there are massive data-backed opportunities to keep us safe and healthy on the road.
Responsible drivers strive to take good care of their vehicles, and rightly so. Regular maintenance, cleaning and adjustments protect the health of our investment. But in 2023, we’ll see our vehicles take care of us too. With the flood of money pouring into the auto industry, the rise of multimodal AI technologies, and self-care taking center stage, your car will truly be a place of wellness.
