For countless drivers, parallel parking has always been a challenging feat, requiring precise alignment and care to avoid collisions with nearby vehicles. But Hyundai may have finally found the answer to this age-old problem. The automaker’s parts division, Hyundai Mobis, recently unveiled an impressive new technology known as e-Corner, which allows for independent or collective swivelling of all four car wheels by up to 90 degrees. This revolutionary solution opens up a world of new possibilities–from effortless parallel parking to diagonal driving and even spinning in place. With such exciting innovations on the horizon, self-driving cars are truly poised for a bright future ahead.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle recently demonstrated its capabilities. This new technology allows for easy parking by rotating each wheel to face perpendicular to the sidewalk, eliminating any need for complicated traditional steering manoeuvres. Dubbed “crab driving,” this approach offers a simple solution for navigating tight urban spaces. Additionally, the car can execute a 360-degree idle turn and conveniently perform a 180-degree retreat from dead-end scenarios.
Beyond Parallel Parking: Hyundai’s Additional Maneuvers
In addition to its impressive parallel parking capabilities, the e-Corner System boasts a range of other innovative features. A recent video showcases how the Ioniq 5 can execute a “zero turn,” allowing it to pivot in place by turning its front and rear wheels in opposite directions. This manoeuvre would prove incredibly valuable for navigating tight parking spaces and congested roads. Moreover, with the system’s “pivot turn” capability, the vehicle’s front-right wheel remains stationary while its back end swings outward. While these concepts may have been explored before, Hyundai Mobis has taken them to new heights of sophistication, hinting at exciting possibilities for future cars and trucks alike.
The Technology Behind e-Corner
The e-Corner System is an integrated module consisting of brake by wire, steer by wire, damper, and in-wheel motor – a revolutionary technological advancement for electric vehicles (EVs). While most EVs have motors mounted on one or both axles, the Ioniq 5 utilizes hub motors that sit inside the wheels. This innovative approach results in superior manoeuvrability and exceptional driving capabilities.
What’s the Need for Self-Driving Cars?
Various levels of driving automation exist, from Level 0, which is fully manual, to Level 5, which is completely autonomous. In autonomous vehicles, sensors, actuators, algorithms, and processors work together to operate.
By combining vehicle automation, electrification, and ridesharing, autonomous vehicles could provide convenience, quality-of-life improvements, and a reduction of CO2 emissions. Increasing software complexity calls for cybersecurity solutions to mitigate the risks involved.
Autonomous cars can also communicate with one another seamlessly, optimizing traffic flow and curbing congestion. Both traditional automobile manufacturers and tech giants alike are heavily investing in this technology, with on-road testing currently being conducted in select areas.
Challenges and Progress in Self-Driving Cars
As self-driving technology continues to advance, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. Although autonomous vehicles have the potential to operate safely in complex human environments, there are still issues such as interactions with human drivers, regulation concerns, public perception and addressing liability in case of accidents. Despite these obstacles, industries like mines, warehouses and ports are already beginning to see improvements with the use of autonomous vehicles. Experts predict that urban areas will begin redesigning their infrastructure within the next seven years in order to allow for more efficient integration and adoption of autonomous vehicles as a popular mode of transport.
So, what’s the status of self-driving cars? Right now, we’re at level two, where cars have the capacity to control steering, acceleration and braking. However, drivers still need to remain engaged with the vehicle.
As with any new technology, there are always bumps along the way. As advancements are made, drivers adapt accordingly and governments work to keep up. One such example is the 2022 Honda Civic which comes with a new feature that allows it to self-drive down roads and brake smoothly when approaching stopped vehicles. However, it’s still not been marketed as a ‘driverless’ car due to safety concerns.
While Elon Musk once said that a Tesla would be able to self-drive across the country by 2017, this has yet to happen due to federal investigations and lawsuits over autopilot failures. Companies like Waymo have launched autonomous taxis but unfortunately, high-end sensors make them too costly for mass-production vehicles. TuSimple offers self-driving options for its semi-tractor-trailers but they still require human safety drivers alongside them.
Hence, though driverless vehicles might not be adopted by everyone in the next 10 years, innovations in space will eventually make them a common aspect of daily life.