Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic any longer than they need to, but BMW thinks someday they might. A new patent filed in Germany describes a system that can adjust the navigational course of the car based on the driver’s in-vehicle activities, allowing that person to finish what they’re doing – such as listening to an audiobook, podcast, or news broadcast – before reaching their destination.
How It Works
The way it’s just been described, it seems that BMW is suggesting taking one on a longer route so that they can finish consuming audio entertainment, which seems a little wasteful of both time and resources. However, BMW would allow the driver to make the choice. The goal is actually to harness the power of machine learning, tracking the recurring activities carried out by occupants, which can also include things like watching live sport on the Theatre Screen of a 7 Series or recording a livestream. Once the car knows these habits, instead of taking occupants on a longer route than necessary, it can pre-suggest entertainment or other digital interaction that best fits with the most efficient route.
Why It Matters
Let’s assume you’re listening to your favourite podcast on the way into work. Every day, perhaps you get into the car at 6:45 AM, but you arrive at work at 7:30 AM or so and sit in the car another 10 minutes to finish your show. The car could take you on a less direct route, albeit still one that optimises energy consumption (possibly with fewer stops on the way), and get you into the car park at 7:50 AM. In another scenario, an executive would get into a chauffeured car and be given the suggestion of initiating a Zoom call, something that he would normally do. If this Zoom call always takes 45 minutes, it can adjust the route accordingly. If it drags on, it can react.
With automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, BMW, and several others continually adding things like TikTok integration, in-car gaming, and live entertainment, people are doing more in their cars than ever before. And once autonomous technology is perfected, the car becomes more than just a transportation device. Tech like this could significantly improve how efficiently society lives and how much it can get done without interruption.
