Heading in the right direction

If you are a routine commuter, you know the pain of traffic buildups, distracted driving, and just plain negligence all too well. In fact, before the pandemic took hold of our sense of normalcy, commuting was a common occurrence among American workers. Some even traveled up to an hour or two a day just to make it to work on time. While the pandemic opened the doors for better work-from-home options, many of us have returned to the highways with the same predicament — is there a way to make this commute better? With artificial intelligence infiltrating the automotive world, it definitely seems we are heading in the right direction. The imminent concern is not whether A.I. has the power to transform the driving experience — we already know that innovation is far ahead of our time. But what about our state of mind while battling a packed highway? Can artificial intelligence pivot our disdain for congested traffic and in return keep our road anxieties and stress to a minimum?

Autonomous driving, one step closer

For decades, drivers have held onto the premise that self-driving cars were just a short distance away. With many automakers claiming the production of autonomous vehicles by 2020, we find ourselves entering 2021 with the same curiosity of when that reality will actually unfold. With the talk of continuously prevalent, and the likes of automotive innovator, Elon Musk, generating a loyal following for electric vehicles, we continue to hope each year that we are one step closer. If all works out, Musk will soon have us playing video games while on the road instead of our mind becoming filled with road rage. Until our realities align with Musk's vision, it's quite possible A.I. will offer the solution for an improved driving experience all around. It's just taking some time.

Cars that talk back: Cool or crazy?

Today, most drivers spend their commute either jamming to their favorite tunes or catching up on the latest episode of a podcast. As a driver, you know the commute is only made easier with a little entertainment along the way. The foreseeable future gives us a clear look at how innovative the car experience will become — thanks to artificial intelligence. Just recently, Amazon announced its decision to allow automakers to use Alexa's voice-technology as a digital assist feature in vehicles. By incorporating this A.I. technology into the manufacture of cars, drivers will enjoy the convenience of the Amazon Alexa from the comfort of the driver seat. While autonomous driving is not here yet, it's likely this is the first step in how artificial intelligence will change the game for the driver experience, helping to make the process of driving more convenient. It gives us hope that maybe one day we'll have our own personalized assistant, therapist, and virtual friend all in one — whether you're in the car or your home.