What if your car could determine the weight of its trailer on its own or anticipate a mechanical issue? Hyundai is developing artificial intelligence technology aimed at improving the behavior of its future vehicles. A simple job posting reveals more about this project.
Hyundai Aims to Use AI for Towing
AI won’t just be used to command cabin features. Hyundai is working on a new generation of systems capable of analyzing driving conditions directly. This is revealed by a job posting published by the automaker, spotted by Carscoops.
The role concerns an engineer specializing in AI-based control systems, based at Hyundai’s American technical center in Michigan. His mission includes the upcoming Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models destined for North America.
The objective is particularly interesting for motorists who regularly tow a trailer. With advanced algorithms, the vehicle could automatically estimate the weight of its cargo and its trailer, without the need for a sensor dedicated to each measurement.
These data could then be used to adapt the operation of certain mechanical components. Engine management, braking and stability control could evolve depending on the mass being carried. A way to make driving safer, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
A Car Capable of Recognizing Terrain Conditions
Towing is only part of the project. Hyundai also aims to use AI to improve the off-road capabilities of its future vehicles. Engineers are working on systems capable of estimating the available grip between the tires and the road surface.
Concretely, a vehicle could recognize a reduction in grip on mud, gravel or a slippery surface. This information would then automatically adjust certain driving parameters. Hyundai mentions technologies dubbed Intelligent Towing Assist and Terrain Adaptation, without confirming that they use exactly the same algorithms.
Another intriguing avenue: preventing mechanical failures. AI could analyze the behavior of different components to detect warning signs of a problem, particularly during towing or off-road use.
Note, however, that these are development efforts at this stage. No production vehicle, timeline or pricing has been announced. But this research shows that Hyundai intends to use AI to improve very concrete automotive functions, beyond voice assistants and large instrument displays.
