Technologies that travel: How ideas from the automotive industry are finding new applications in different fields

7 Aug

The modern world moves at a high speed, thanks to countless technological discoveries, which find their application not only in the starting points but also in completely unexpected places. One example of this phenomenon is the transformation of technologies developed for automobiles into key innovations for a variety of industries, including robotics, medicine, and virtual reality.

1. From careful parking to precise surgical interventions

Let’s start with the rearview cameras, which at first glance seem like a fancy application for car enthusiasts. But did you know that this technology has become a real savior in medical facilities? After successful implementation in the automotive sector, rear view cameras have found application in surgical practice. Doctors use these cameras with great precision to perform minimally invasive operations, which allows reducing the risk of injuries and significantly speeding up the recovery process of patients.

2. Road safety and robotics

Stabilization systems, designed to ensure safety while driving, now act as a technological basis for the development of robotics. It’s incredible how one idea can open new possibilities in the field of automatic control and artificial intelligence. Robots equipped with stabilization systems have become able to maintain balance, avoid obstacles and perform tasks in various fields, from autonomous shop assistants to advanced medical assistants.

3. Navigation and virtual reality: GPS technology

Originally created to determine the exact location of cars, GPS technology has found its way into many areas where accuracy is critical. Robotics uses GPS to create autonomous robots and drones, the medical industry uses it to geolocate medical devices and patients, and virtual reality has the ability to create even more realistic game environments.

4. Observation and precision in details: Lidar systems

Lidar systems, originally designed to detect objects on the road and assist in automatic driving, have become a key element in creating detailed maps of the environment in robotics. Now they help robots navigate in space, avoid obstacles and perform complex tasks. This technology is also used in medicine, helping doctors to perform precise operations, as well as in industry to automate production processes.

Image source: https://www.elprocus.com/lidar-light-detection-and-ranging-working-application/

5. From the convenience of autopilot to biomechanical devices

The technology of automatic transmissions, which made it easier to drive a car, turned out to be a unique resource for robotics and medicine. Current work uses similar principles to create biomechanical devices that can accurately mimic human movements. These innovations promote rehabilitation and improve quality of life.

Image source: https://www.spinny.com/blog/index.php/types-of-automatic-transmission/

These examples show how technologies originally developed for the automotive industry are transforming the world around us. Their possibilities are endless, and we can see how they constantly find their application in a wide variety of industries, making our lives safer, more comfortable and more interesting.