Vehicle engineering and mechanics have come a long way since the invention of the automobile over a century ago. For instance, the global electric vehicle market is expected to reach $802 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.6%. As this market grows, adopting electric vehicles is becoming more common. For those who drive an electric vehicle, having a home electric vehicle charging unit is essential to ensure a full battery charge is always available without relying on public charging stations. Cutting-edge technologies are also revolutionizing how vehicles are designed, built, and maintained, and below are some emerging technologies that are shaping the future of vehicle engineering and mechanics.
Smart Maintenance Technologies
Smart maintenance technologies are revolutionizing the automotive industry, enabling vehicle manufacturers and mechanics to enhance the efficiency and reliability of their vehicles. For instance, Tesla has incorporated real-time monitoring into its vehicles, allowing the company to remotely diagnose and resolve issues before they become major problems. Similarly, BMW has implemented predictive maintenance in its cars, which uses data from sensors and algorithms to predict when a component is likely to fail, enabling preventive maintenance to be carried out.
Along with these newer technologies, more established tools such as the hydraulic torque wrench, are still essential in vehicle maintenance. Although invented in the late 60s, the hydraulic torque wrench is still popular in vehicle engineering and mechanics due to its greater precision and accuracy in tightening bolts, which reduces the risk of bolt failure and potential safety hazards. Combining emerging smart maintenance technologies and reliable tools like the hydraulic torque wrench is paving the way for safer and more efficient vehicle maintenance practices.
3D Printing
3D printing has been around for a while, but its use in vehicle engineering and mechanics is still in its early stages. In recent years, we’ve seen some exciting developments in this area. For example, Lamborghini recently unveiled a 3D-printed prototype of their Sián FKP 37 supercar, which uses a 3D-printed air duct system to improve its aerodynamics. Additionally, Bugatti has been using 3D printing to create brake calipers for their Chiron hypercar, which are lighter and stiffer than their traditional counterparts.
Embedded Connectivity
Embedded connectivity is one of the most promising emerging technologies that is shaping the future of vehicle engineering and mechanics. It involves the integration of internet-enabled devices and sensors within the vehicle, allowing for real-time communication and data exchange between the vehicle and the outside world. With embedded connectivity, vehicles can be remotely monitored, diagnosed, and even repaired, leading to more efficient maintenance and increased vehicle uptime. Additionally, this technology enables new services such as over-the-air updates, predictive maintenance, and personalized features that enhance the driver experience.
The field of vehicle engineering and mechanics is rapidly evolving with new technologies. These advancements are shaping the industry’s future, from electric powertrains and autonomous vehicles to 3D printing and augmented reality. As the demand for skilled technicians who can work with these technologies continues to increase, great opportunities exist for those interested in this field to specialize and help drive innovation forward.
