The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Next-Gen Car Safety Systems

Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Car Safety

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cars is all about machines helping humans make better driving decisions. Modern vehicles equipped with advanced sensors continuously collect and analyse environmental and performance data. This data includes traffic flow, road markings, nearby objects, etc.

AI algorithms analyse this data in milliseconds to identify patterns, make decisions, and execute automated responses like applying brakes or adjusting steering. Traditional car safety systems generally act after a crash occurs. 

You can notice this by how airbags open after a collision, not before. However, AI-powered ADAS is different. It acts before such incidents take place, reducing the instances of accidents or hazards. 

AI brings predictive vehicle safety into driving, so the system recognises danger faster than the human eye can blink. This proactive approach makes AI-powered safety systems much more efficient and desirable.
 

AI-Powered Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

AI Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are the bridge between today’s vehicles and tomorrow’s autonomous cars. This intelligent system combines cameras, radar, machine learning, and other technologies to help drivers stay alert, centred, and out of danger.

Tesla’s Autopilot and Volvo’s City Safety are the best examples of AI in automotive safety. Tesla’s Autopilot uses camera feeds and sensor inputs to determine road conditions. It deploys adaptive cruise control, automatic lane changes, or other ADAS functions if it detects the need. 

Volvo’s City Safety uses AI-powered predictive braking to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. In case AI detects any object near the vehicle, the system will automatically apply brakes to minimise collision risks. 

AI-powered ADAS has the following key features:   

• Lane-Keeping Assist

The AI-powered lane assist feature uses camera vision and AI models to detect lane boundaries. It then gently corrects steering if the car drifts, reducing instances of lane-departure crashes.

• Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control allows cars to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. It is designed to make automatic speed adjustments in response to surrounding traffic patterns. This single feature makes it an ideal safety feature for cars frequently driven on highways or stop-and-go driving. 

• Collision Avoidance

This ADAS feature constantly assesses real-time data to predict possible collisions. It applies automatic braking or makes steering adjustments to avoid any potential hazard or minimise its impact. 

• Pedestrian Detection

This detection feature recognises pedestrians or cyclists through AI-based image processing. Once detected, AI sends quick alerts to caution the driver. In some cases, it can also apply automatic brakes to prevent accidents.
 

Predictive Safety and Real-Time Monitoring

One of the key benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cars is the advanced safety provided by AI’s predictive power. Since AI systems continuously learn from driving behaviour, sensor data, and other sources, they can predict potential hazards before they take place.

For example, AI’s predictive vehicle safety system can detect subtle signs of driver fatigue through steering inputs. The system will then recommend a rest stop. This constant monitoring prevents accidents and also enhances long-term vehicle health.
 

Integration with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

As vehicles become connected, data-sharing begins, and automakers are using AI as their brain that coordinates them. Cars are using Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication to exchange data with nearby vehicles and key infrastructure systems. 

As a result, cars can receive an alert from another vehicle at a greater distance about sudden braking. You can use these alerts to adjust your speed or change your route for safety reasons. 

In autonomous driving, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cars integrates this shared data to take relevant actions. AI, for instance, can predict the movements of pedestrians and then modify your vehicle's speed accordingly. It can also make real-time route changes, which are safer than the existing route.
 

Conclusion

Incorporating AI in automotive safety is no longer an optional choice for automakers. This integration has become essential to enhance safety systems in next-gen cars. From actively monitoring vehicle movements to deploying AI Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features when needed, AI is upgrading vehicle safety to a whole new level.

While AI protects your vehicles by reducing accident instances, you can also protect your car by securing it under the Car Insurance policy. You can explore the Shriram Car Insurance policy if you want personalised, enhanced coverage at affordable premiums.
 

FAQs

1. What is AI’s role in car safety?

AI’s role in car safety is to identify hazards, predict risks, and trigger automatic safety responses. All these functions contribute to secure driving experiences.
 

2. How does AI improve advanced driver assistance systems?

AI enhances the Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS) by improving object recognition, reaction time, and decision accuracy.
 

3. Can AI predict and prevent accidents?

Yes, AI can predict and prevent accidents. It studies several internal and external factors to predict potential hazards and execute emergency safety responses.
 

4. Which cars currently use AI-based safety features?

Select models of Tesla, Volvo, BMW, Hyundai, and Mahindra integrate AI-driven ADAS features.
 

5. What challenges remain for AI in automotive safety?

The most significant challenges remain cybersecurity risk and regulatory approval.