From wired telephones to cordless phones to mobile phones, human ingenuity seems to know no limits. We live in a world where even the idea of smart-phones has become very much casual. The introduction of Internet integrated smart cars will surely change the consumer’s perception of automobile luxury and safety. The auto industry is the latest benefit of the Internet revolution. To live in a hyper-connected ‘tech-savvy beehive’ is utopia no more.
The Internet of Things(IoT) is a topic that is not spared of attention these days. Physicals objects will be integrated with software or electronic devices with the intent of eliminating human labour. According to the McKinsey Global Institute report, “Disruptive technologies: Advances that will transform life, business, and the global economy”, May 2013, Internet of things is one of the 12 technologies that will have massive impact on the standards of living, possibly change the way we live on an exponential level.
Advancement in wireless communication technology and the need to improvise quality standards make it possible to collect data from the sensors at any given time and place. By 2020, there will be 50 billion connected devices communicating through the Internet. Devices can range from connected coffee makers, cars, or sensors on cattle to connected machines in a production plant. Industries have realized the true potential of the Internet and have thus made plans to incorporate newer forms of technology in automobiles. This gave birth to the concept of the Internet of Vehicles(IoV)
The Internet of Things has also given rise to the Internet of Vehicles(IoV); which is an inevitable convergence of the mobile Internet and IoT. The IoV is a holistic technology that covers information communication, environmental protection, safety along with energy conservation. This technology involves interaction between vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to road, vehicle to human as well as vehicle to sensor.
- The Brazilian government has set a goal for all cars in circulation to be fitted with electronic ID chips from its National Automated Vehicle Identification System (Siniav).
- Launch of the U.S. National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) is a milestone for IoV. It requires ‘security chips’ in online devices, including vehicles.
If you think that there are revolutionary developments only taking place in the Americas and Europe, that is not the case. China, India and other nations are an active part of the race as well.
IoT and IoV in India
Indian IT companies such as Infosys, HCL, Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) and Wipro are currently collaborating with establishments belonging to the automotive industry viz. auto part suppliers, global car makers and content providers with the intent of delivering the promise of transcending the concept of automobiles to a whole new paradigm. The new features involves extra precautionary measures for driver safety, newer forms of car connectivity and in-vehicle infotainment. The core idea on which the entire ‘connected car’ concept revolves are semi-conductors which are essential to make connectivity possible.
- According to research analyst firm Visiongain, India is expected to top $8 billion revenue from connected cars over the next 10 years.
- Also, India has emerged to become an important supplier of automobile parts/components to automobile giants like General Motors, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen.
- Infosys is working on an R&D joint venture with Microsoft and Japanese giants Toyota to offer various safety measures for drivers.
- Drowsiness detectors, fatigue detectors and back seat entertainment are some of the new concepts that are to be expected in the coming years.
Wi-fi enabled cabs
Uber has recently made a new tie-up with India-based mobile operator Airtel. Uber will provide passengers to use free 4G internet as a part of their services. The in-ride 4G service has already started in Mumbai. They are also integrating Airtel’s payment service with mobile wallet service Paytm. Uber rivals, Ola cabs is offering internet as well but, in a different sense. ‘Ola Select’ is a benefits program that rewards top users of the service with perks involved.
The Internet brings in a new era of communication
These are the building blocks to building a ‘smart city‘. The Internet of Things coupled with the concept of smart cities takes human kind into a whole new dimension. The integration of the internet with household utilities and automobiles just makes you wonder of the possibilities ICANN’s 700+ new GTLD’s could do for you. You could control the appliances in your home by inputting various URL’s assigned to those devices.
The prime goal of a ‘smart city’ is to be self sustainable, eco-friendly, and to use renewable sources of energy in a judicial manner. All these goals could not even be fathomed decades ago. But all of these dreams should soon come to reality owing to the Information Technology and the Internet being the crux of of it all. It is a long road no doubt, but it is a journey worth the travel.
Are you excited to see some revolutionary changes? / What all do you think the Internet is going to change in the near future?
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