My Toyota Prius has a feature that saves me from the inconvenience of having to open the door using a key. This feature only works for me. The car uses Bluetooth technology through the wireless key fob, which is carried by the user. Upon grasping the handle, it checks for proximity to unlock the car door automatically if the key is detected. Prius owners have mentioned how access is granted by opening the driver’s side door while others cannot do so.
Technically, it’s nothing ground-breaking—no AI, cloud computing, or social connectivity. But it is invisible. Modern cars are no longer just modes of transportation; they are moving computers packed with hidden technologies that enhance safety, performance, and the overall driving experience. Here are some of the unseen innovations shaping the way we drive today:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The term “advanced driver assistance systems” (ADAS) refers to a set of digital technologies that allow for safer, more data-driven driving by assisting drivers with common tasks like parking and navigation without completely automating these processes.
ADAS use information gathered from several sensors to evaluate the road conditions and act appropriately. Autonomous driving assistance systems include backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, self-parking, sensors to detect blind spots and lane departure warning systems.
Additionally, many modern vehicles also include a start stop system that turns off the engine when the driver applies the brakes and starts it up again when the driver disengages the brake. Despite not being an ADAS, it’s a prevalent automotive technology that can affect certain ADAS systems.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
Vehicle-to-everything is the interconnectivity of vehicles with one another, their drivers, and the surrounding environment. This is achieved through various cameras on the car, sensors, and wireless technologies such as radio waves, Wi-Fi, LTE (4G) or 5G cellular networks.
With the help of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, cars can connect with their environments in a more sophisticated and useful way, improving road safety and convenience for everyone. This high-end connection goes far beyond the traditional methods in which vehicles communicated to drivers, such as when the fuel gauge indicates low fuel or an interior light remains on when you accidentally leave a door open.
Biometric & Personalisation Tech
Biometrics allow cars to identify their drivers and make adjustments based on that information, whether it’s for entrance or a better-tailored driving experience. Many modern vehicles can remember the driver’s preferred seat and mirror settings by assigning them to a single key. You won’t have to worry about forgetting to adjust the mirrors two minutes into your drive anymore. Biometrics enable the car to memorise settings based on a user’s face and adapt them automatically to whoever is behind the wheel.
Associating driver data with a unique key is fast becoming the most popular method for personalising the driving experience. As car keys are becoming more digitalised in nature, the Bluetooth connectivity embedded in them will bring a lot of room for customisation. Personalisation is taken a step further with biometrics, surpassing at least the usual settings.
Conclusion
Invisible technologies are redefining the driving experience by making cars smarter, safer, and more efficient. As innovation continues, these unseen systems will further enhance mobility, making driving more intuitive than ever before. The future of driving is not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about how seamlessly and intelligently we get there.
