Year in review: Car tech gets political
Fears of an energy crisis and safety concerns lead to new fuel-saving tech and automation features.
Year in review: Car tech gets political
This year saw automotive technology turn into a political hot button.
Late in the year, President Bush signed a sweeping energy bill that sets higher fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks. But the politics of global warming and growing concern over energy use were apparent in the auto industry throughout the year.
The New York auto show's Taxis of the Future exhibit and the many green-themed cars showcased at the
We saw thoughts on city transport vehicles, robot vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrids. In addition to far-out concepts
But hydrogen fuel seems to be the most hyped technology this year, if not a true contender, for the way things will go down long-term. Several companies are working to develop hydrogen energy technology, an alternative-energy darling with several municipalities and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The beginning of a high-tech onslaught of automation and computer technology in cars also became evident. Automakers unveiled plans for their 2008 car models that included tech options like Bluetooth, self-parking, lane departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control--
Some owners of those high-tech cars struggled with the design of the human-machine interface and programming a car computer for the first time. Partnerships between major tech companies and automakers were also forged, with many announcing plans to have a greater presence at the
Roboticists also took the combination of artificial intelligence and the coming robotics revolution in cars further than ever. The DARPA Urban Challenge race featuring robotic cars took to "city" streets this year to prove autonomous vehicles have a future.
The small and young driver space heated up with the
And in what may be the most intriguing saga of 2007,
2007 Highlights
Photos: Cool concept cars for the highway--and for the Xbox 360
Is it more exciting to see a concept car you designed built as a full-scale model or driven in an Xbox 360 video game?
Priming the pump for hydrogen fuel
Start-up Ecotality taps NASA technology for a system that can feed a vehicle's fuel cell on-demand.
Studying the hydrogen energy chain
Turning hydrogen into a viable fuel presents many challenges, but researchers are also discovering possible solutions.
U.S. cities hot for hydrogen
Hydrogen supporters hope what happens in Vegas doesn't just stay in Vegas.
New York hails taxis of the future
With wheelchair lifts, easy-to-clean interiors and ride-sharing signs, exhibit shows New Yorkers how to improve its iconic cabs.
Revolutionary mechanical arm provides grip, feel
Team lead by Applied Physics Laboratory has come up with a prosthetic breakthrough, giving fine motor skills and sensory perception to amputees.
Sizing up the coming robotics revolution
Rodney Brooks, director of MIT's CSAIL and CTO of iRobot, discusses AI, robots and the coming bicentennial man.
Roboticist inspired by more than machines
Robotics Institute Director Matt Mason wants people to be inspired by science fiction, origami and research beyond the machine.
Toyota: Gas-saving valve in engines by 2010
"Valvematic" technology will make gas engines 5 percent to 10 percent more efficient, Japanese automaker says.
Audi's Le Mans win gives diesel street cred
Diesel engine racecars claim first and second place at legendary French endurance race.
And the winner is...diesel?
Talk all you want about ethanol and hydrogen, the car industry seems to have already picked its "alternative" fuel.
Body of a car, brains of a PC
Software is becoming the new competitive weapon in the car market, and Big Blue is working to build a "network on wheels."
Volvo C30 to get 52 mpg
C30 'Efficiency' version lives up to name, and Volvo says other 2008 models will also see fuel-sipping improvements.
Are drivers ready for high-tech onslaught?
Next year will be a model year of change as high-tech features spread from luxury models to entire lineups. But how much tech is too much?
Photos: Electric vehicles you can buy right now
You don't have to wait for the big automakers to come through. There are options on the road already.
Photos: Cleaning up at the Frankfurt Auto Show
Car lovers have their eyes on central Germany for the latest designs from Ferrari, Ford and more. Eco-friendly is definitely in.
Roboticists to ride wave of power, chip and sensor improvements
Executives at MIT forum say improvements and reduced costs in sensors, computation and batteries will spur industry revolution.
Photos: Hot, quirky and green at Tokyo auto show
This year's biggest auto show in Asia features sports cars, minis, and personal transporters with an eye toward the environment.
Photo: Full speed ahead at LA Auto Show
From the new Mustang Bullitt to a home hydrogen fueling station, here are some of the must-see items from the show.
Additional Headlines
MIT offers City Car for the masses
DARPA race pushes robotics forward
Year in review: Car tech gets political
This year saw automotive technology turn into a political hot button.
Late in the year, President Bush signed a sweeping energy bill that sets higher fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks. But the politics of global warming and growing concern over energy use were apparent in the auto industry throughout the year.
The New York auto show's Taxis of the Future exhibit and the many green-themed cars showcased at the
We saw thoughts on city transport vehicles, robot vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrids. In addition to far-out concepts
But hydrogen fuel seems to be the most hyped technology this year, if not a true contender, for the way things will go down long-term. Several companies are working to develop hydrogen energy technology, an alternative-energy darling with several municipalities and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The beginning of a high-tech onslaught of automation and computer technology in cars also became evident. Automakers unveiled plans for their 2008 car models that included tech options like Bluetooth, self-parking, lane departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control--
Some owners of those high-tech cars struggled with the design of the human-machine interface and programming a car computer for the first time. Partnerships between major tech companies and automakers were also forged, with many announcing plans to have a greater presence at the
Roboticists also took the combination of artificial intelligence and the coming robotics revolution in cars further than ever. The DARPA Urban Challenge race featuring robotic cars took to "city" streets this year to prove autonomous vehicles have a future.
The small and young driver space heated up with the
And in what may be the most intriguing saga of 2007,
2007 Highlights
Photos: Cool concept cars for the highway--and for the Xbox 360
Is it more exciting to see a concept car you designed built as a full-scale model or driven in an Xbox 360 video game?
Priming the pump for hydrogen fuel
Start-up Ecotality taps NASA technology for a system that can feed a vehicle's fuel cell on-demand.
Studying the hydrogen energy chain
Turning hydrogen into a viable fuel presents many challenges, but researchers are also discovering possible solutions.
U.S. cities hot for hydrogen
Hydrogen supporters hope what happens in Vegas doesn't just stay in Vegas.
New York hails taxis of the future
With wheelchair lifts, easy-to-clean interiors and ride-sharing signs, exhibit shows New Yorkers how to improve its iconic cabs.
Revolutionary mechanical arm provides grip, feel
Team lead by Applied Physics Laboratory has come up with a prosthetic breakthrough, giving fine motor skills and sensory perception to amputees.
Sizing up the coming robotics revolution
Rodney Brooks, director of MIT's CSAIL and CTO of iRobot, discusses AI, robots and the coming bicentennial man.
Roboticist inspired by more than machines
Robotics Institute Director Matt Mason wants people to be inspired by science fiction, origami and research beyond the machine.
Toyota: Gas-saving valve in engines by 2010
"Valvematic" technology will make gas engines 5 percent to 10 percent more efficient, Japanese automaker says.
Audi's Le Mans win gives diesel street cred
Diesel engine racecars claim first and second place at legendary French endurance race.
And the winner is...diesel?
Talk all you want about ethanol and hydrogen, the car industry seems to have already picked its "alternative" fuel.
Body of a car, brains of a PC
Software is becoming the new competitive weapon in the car market, and Big Blue is working to build a "network on wheels."
Volvo C30 to get 52 mpg
C30 'Efficiency' version lives up to name, and Volvo says other 2008 models will also see fuel-sipping improvements.
Are drivers ready for high-tech onslaught?
Next year will be a model year of change as high-tech features spread from luxury models to entire lineups. But how much tech is too much?
Photos: Electric vehicles you can buy right now
You don't have to wait for the big automakers to come through. There are options on the road already.
Photos: Cleaning up at the Frankfurt Auto Show
Car lovers have their eyes on central Germany for the latest designs from Ferrari, Ford and more. Eco-friendly is definitely in.
Roboticists to ride wave of power, chip and sensor improvements
Executives at MIT forum say improvements and reduced costs in sensors, computation and batteries will spur industry revolution.
Photos: Hot, quirky and green at Tokyo auto show
This year's biggest auto show in Asia features sports cars, minis, and personal transporters with an eye toward the environment.
Photo: Full speed ahead at LA Auto Show
From the new Mustang Bullitt to a home hydrogen fueling station, here are some of the must-see items from the show.
Additional Headlines
MIT offers City Car for the masses
DARPA race pushes robotics forward