What does the Telematics revolution have in store for 2016?
Not too long ago, car reviews and market predictions focused on speed, design and technical features, but cars are increasingly becoming futuristic high-tech systems, teeming with sensors and chips. Nowadays, forecasts are about technology, about network capabilities and telematics solutions.
Algorithms
Algorithms are at the forefront of the on-going telematics revolution. They are the engines that telematics employs to search and mine data, recognising patterns and identifying cause and consequence correlations.
Algorithms can be used to determine just about anything: from a driver’s policy premium, based on his or her driving history or driving environments, to predictive maintenance alerts on vehicle engines and mechanics. Indeed, industry experts predict the advent of algorithm-based vehicle warranties that will provide buyers with foolproof data on used cars, based on the previous owner’s driving patterns and style.
Avatars
Another interesting feature is one borrowed directly from social networks and the Internet: the concept of an avatar and instant personalisation. Drivers will be able to log into their own account and retrieve their driving preferences, history and bookmarks on any vehicle they drive, just like they do on different computers, so that the vehicle is automatically adjusted to their driving behaviour and personal preferences.
In fact, this solution will be especially popular with the generation of “Millennials” who have also exhibited a preference for sharing or leasing, rather than purchasing, vehicles.
Ethernet
The standard computer networking technology used in offices and industry around the globe is expected to come to vehicles in 2016. This is a major step forward that will bring much faster upload and download transmission times to moving vehicles.
Obviously, this will spell out a major improvement not only in terms of car connectivity and infotainment systems, but will also have major repercussions on safety and security. First of all, over-the-air updates for all vehicle systems will become very fast. Moreover, if an autonomous or even semi-autonomous car is to rely on automatic braking and other hazard management systems, the faster it can relay, receive and analyse data will also reflect an increased performance in terms of safety.
Octo Telematics and General Motors have recently signed a partnership to collect data and provide advanced UBI scoring services (driver scoring, vehicle usage) for insurance carriers, as well as a full and competitive fleet management solution to fleet/leasing companies throughout Europe.
Safety and Security
The development of telematics has always centred on increased safety and security features and although 2016 is not slated as a breakthrough year, these features will continue to blossom. This includes not only the quicker data transmission capability mentioned above, but also certification systems to allay consumer nervousness concerning computerised systems, data privacy issues and hacking.
The industry is also expected to increase the adoption of autopilot systems to control vehicle trajectory and vehicle proximity sensors to prevent collisions and accidents.