In the future, the self-driving technology will certainly
grow significantly, but before the era is coming, the development must be done
step by step. And according to Bosch as one of the largest suppliers of
automotive components, it can be started from small thing such as gas pedal.
This German company is introducing its newest solution in
the automotive field named Bosch Active Gas Pedal. The gas pedal is quite
special because of its ability to connect with a number of systems in the car.
The mission is to improve fuel efficiency, and at the same time to save the
driver from harm.
Bosch claims that this innovation could reduce fuel
consumption by up to 7 percent. Indeed it doesn't sound too much, but keep in
mind that the carbon emissions will also be trimmed.
Bosch Active Gas Pedal will send a message to the driver in
the form of vibration. By connected to the car's transmission system, the gas
pedal will vibrate with a certain pattern when it's the time to raise or lower
the gears. It's all done to increase the fuel efficiency.
In addition to the transmission system, the gas pedal can
also get the data from the car's navigation system. So such as you pass the
corner at high speed, the gas pedal will vibrate to remind you to not speeding.
In certain cases where the driver is too stubborn and ignores the warning that
has been given, the gas pedal will harden so that the pace of the car can be
controlled.
But the most interesting feature is the ability to connect
to the cloud network; it pulls the data from a variety of connected
infrastructures such as traffic lights or even from other cars. This of course
opens other potentials, through the vibration, the driver can receive
information related to the closed roads, traffic jams, and so forth.
So far Bosch doesn't mention when and in what car this smart
gas pedal will be applied. However, at least we can get an idea that a little
thing like a gas pedal could have a sizeable impact on the driving experience
in the future.