Not so long ago, automotive development was shaped largely by what was technically possible. In recent decades, however, the focus is shifting more and more to people. Car interiors in particular - and this is a development we have been seeing for a number of years - will become more and more comfortable in the future and adapt to the (presumed) expectations of the occupants.
Research into new possibilities regarding how we will experience the car interior of the future is becoming increasingly important and is no longer a topic limited purely to developers: The topic was even discussed at the online marketing trade fair "OMR" in Hamburg. Patrick Lins from the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) concept development at Audi explained where the journey is heading. His summary: "You have to experience the interior with all the senses!"
"Experience the interior with all the senses!"
Of course with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can recognise specific situations in the vehicle and automatically adjust certain settings accordingly, for example. The car could detect that the driver wants a relaxing ride and play calming music and adjust the lighting mood accordingly. A fragrance could also be used to change the mood of passengers. A future scenario that automotive developers are already working on today.
Adjustment options of this kind allow the vehicle to apply complex settings based on the individual needs and preferences of the occupants. This transforms the car into an intelligent companion that personalizes and optimizes the driving experience.
Sound design important for a sense of well-being
The question of how cars will sound in the future is also being discussed more and more frequently. From a technical perspective, many things are possible, but which sounds are appealing and which make sense? One thing is clear: The sound of a vehicle is always closely linked to the driving experience. A pleasant, comfortable - usually conventionally driven - engine can increase driving pleasure, while unwanted noises such as squeaking brakes or rattling parts can significantly impair comfort. Car manufacturers and engineers therefore aim to create a sound that is not only safe but also pleasant.
Significant progress has been made in terms of technical possibilities in recent years. Modern acoustic and soundproofing technologies enable engineers to shape and adapt the sound of a vehicle like never before. There is a wealth of possibilities, from sound insulation and sound absorption, which reduce unwanted noise, to active noise control, which selectively manipulates the sound or even generates it artificially.
Some car manufacturers are currently experimenting with these artificially generated sounds, which are played in the vehicle via loudspeakers to generate a certain acoustic profile. These "sound design" approaches can help create unique driving experiences that go beyond the natural noise of the vehicle.
AI brings the sound from outside into the interior
One exciting approach, for example, is to use AI sound to bring noise from outside into the vehicle interior. Imagine hearing the sounds of the forest in the vehicle interior while driving through the forest. Rain, tunnel and other ambient noises could be reproduced realistically for an even more intense driving experience.
The development of intelligent voice assistants that can understand and execute complex commands open up new possibilities for interaction between driver and vehicle. AI could also ensure that drivers receive relevant information before they can see it. Thanks to AI, we will be able to better predict situations in the future and avoid accidents.
The integration of AI into vehicle design enables a comprehensive and tailored driving experience. From acoustic design and automatic adaptation of settings to intelligent simplification of the interaction between people and vehicles, artificial intelligence opens up fascinating possibilities for the future of driving.
