In What Ways Will Cars Become More Intelligent In The Future?

Major automobile manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota are producing "smarter" cars in very high numbers, and we are starting to see just where this technology can take us. Breakthroughs are coming almost every day, and software companies and car makers are forging partnerships that are making the next generation of vehicles the most automated in history. Here, you'll learn a bit about how the cars of the future are becoming more intelligent.

While it will be a few years before we see a fully-automated vehicle, there's no disputing the fact that today's "smart" automobile features are changing our lives. They help simplify the act of driving, and allow for greater driver efficiency. The biggest such contribution is the GPS system. Navigation by GPS isn't a new development, but advances in direction and location technology (such as Google Maps and Google Navigation) allow drivers to find the most direct route, and they also allow them to find routes with light traffic, no toll roads, and the shortest distance available.

Tomorrow's smarter cars also benefit from advancements in safety technology. Commands through voice recognition allow drivers to do things like control the air conditioner, radio, and GPS hands-free, which allows them to keep their focus on the road. Car manufacturers are continually adding new features to their cars which allow for increased safety and easier use. A good example of this is the Ford Motor Company's Driver Alert and Lane Departure System. It warns a driver if they fall asleep at the wheel or drift over into another lane accidentally; it's found on newer models such as the Focus.

We all know that gas prices are going through the roof, and as a result, many drivers are turning to the electric vehicle. The most successful manufacturer of electric vehicles is Toyota, with its ubiquitous Prius model. However, there are many other makers debuting new models. Chevrolet is now offering the Volt, which is a plug-in/electric hybrid, and Nissan is now selling the Leaf, another plug-in/electric. There's also the SmartCar, made by Daimler AG.

It may seem far-fetched right now, but the car of the future may just drive itself. Car makers are constantly trying to add new and beneficial features to their offerings, and they are working hard to develop the technology necessary to run tomorrow's more intelligent vehicles.