As our understanding of telematics develops – so too will its application. The future is closer than you think. Here we reveal the top five most exciting innovations in the rapidly evolving world of telematics.
Innovation 1: Mapping a safer, more efficient future
Modern telematics systems are already capable of analyzing driving style and providing comprehensive feedback to both managers and drivers in real time. Learn more about TomTom Telematics’ OptiDrive 360.
Drivers have the power to correct their behavior, but maps which provide mile-by-mile, hour-by-hour, day-by-day accuracy would allow behavioral monitoring systems to become even more intuitive, to the point where the braking system could react automatically if it detects a driver is going too fast.
For example, the telematics system would automatically know if a 90-degree corner was approaching in 200 yards and could adjust the speed accordingly if a driver had failed to properly judge how sharp a turn they had to make. Similarly, if a vehicle’s data highlighted heavy rain up ahead, brakes and wheel sensitivity could be adjusted to suit the conditions automatically.
Ford is working with academics on intuitive technology, which uses complex algorithms to predict where nearby vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians might be heading to improve safety. With its Predictive Powertrain Control, Mercedes-Benz is combining cruise control with TomTom 3D mapping data in its trucks to predict inclines and undulations in the road and adjust the behavior of the truck accordingly (development in progress). By predicting when gravity will kick in, it can determine when to accelerate early towards approaching gradients to harness the exact amount of kinetic energy in the truck needed to roll down the other side without power – creating fuel savings of up to three percent.
Find out how modern telematics systems can already cut your fuel bill with our Three Fuel Saving Strategies for your Business.
Innovation 2: Exact specification appointments and deliveries
Smartphones can work hand-in-hand with advanced telematics technology to create a seamless IT operation that encompasses all aspects of life – from business to your home, car and leisure time.
Imagine a situation where you book a repair appointment while you are at the office. If the technician can send a message to your phone telling you exactly when he’ll arrive, you will only need to return home for the appointment, allowing you to maximize work or leisure time.
Your device can also tell you exactly how long it will take for you to travel home to greet the technician and provide you with the best possible route, taking into account traffic congestion. Extending the idea further, deliveries could be sent to your exact location, pinpointed according to the GPS signal from your smartphone, whether that’s home, work or even the local coffee shop.
A new service from Volvo will allow couriers to deliver customers’ orders (or collect returns) directly from their parked vehicle. The Volvo on Call allows drivers to control their car remotely. It will allow delivery companies access using a smartphone key and smartphone location services.
Innovation 3: Infotainment first
Telematics black boxes and entertainment systems will be merged together in one unit, bringing new infotainment options to drivers stuck in static traffic or waiting for someone.
Your favorite newspaper could be read aloud, Pay Per View Movies watched, in-car games for passengers played or music system files synced with the Cloud.
Innovation 4: A connected driving community
It has been claimed that the ‘connected’ car – is the third fastest growing technology, with only tablets and phones ahead of it.
With the combined power of the Internet and GPS, vehicles will be able to provide notifications that are tailored to both the driver’s preferences and the locality in which he is driving. Alerts could be set for a favorite fast food restaurant, or special offer coupons sent for nearby attractions.
Drivers will also be able to connect with other drivers on the road, communicate via social networks, or potentially develop virtual car pooling to help save on fuel costs.
Maximize this with your fleet by combining telematics and route planning resulting in the ability to reduce miles driven with more optimal and accurate routes.
Innovation 5: The rise of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology looks likely to gain significant traction in the near future allowing vehicles to communicate not just with each other but with the local infrastructure using a Wireless Local Area Network. Two-way links between vehicles and roadside infrastructure could update drivers on everything from vacant parking spaces and troublesome roadwork to adverse weather conditions.
Traffic light systems, for example, can share information on their phase times allowing a driver support system to highlight the optimal driving speed for catching all the lights on green. In China, trials into changing the traffic light when a public bus is approaching are underway to help ease the traffic flow of public transport and improve fuel efficiency.
To find out more on trends in telematics why not visit the TomTom Telematics App Centre here