Future of Vehicle Architecture with Smart, Connected, and Autonomous Systems in Automobile Engineering

Vehicle Architecture

The term vehicle architecture generally falls under B Tech Automobile Engineering. It can be defined as the layout, concept, or organisation of a vehicle and its assemblies, sub-assemblies or components, and other parts and systems, including the technology elements. In conventional automobiles, the design paradigm was centred on operation mechanisms like the engine, transmission system, and car body or chassis. However, new system design thinking, which brought in smart, connected, and autonomous systems, is revolutionising vehicle architecture. Contemporary designs are characterised by complex electronics, embedded sensors, and networking interfaces for real-time data exchange and the interaction of systems in a vehicle. This progression allows for safer, more reliable and greatly autonomous vehicles, thus creating the platform for society’s next mode of transportation.

How Is It Changing With More Smart, Connected, and Autonomous Systems

Transportation is currently transitioning towards smart, connected and autonomous systems that are redesigning the vehicle in its essence. Earlier, designing the architecture of automobiles was mechanical-centric; now, it is the other way around, where electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and communication networks are the leading parts of the architectural design of automobiles. The car has been fitted with ADAS, a computing platform, and V2X connectivity. Such a transformation allows vehicles to function as intelligent systems and make decisions that would usually take a long time in a very short amount of time. It also allows such vehicles to blend seamlessly into the environment. This leads to creating a more ‘loosely coupled’ architecture that is better suited for support for things like over-the-air updates, safety features, and the incorporation of new technologies as they are developed.

The New Technologies in Vehicle Architecture

Vehicle architectures are evolving; new technologies are changing cars, extending intelligence, protecting features, and improving connectivity. Top Engineering Colleges in India are adapting to this change and making sure their students are equipped to deal with the revolution.

Key advancements include:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar to sense the surrounding environment and objects incoming in the vehicle's path. They include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency brakes.
• Electric Powertrains: As electric vehicles (EVs) phase out traditional ICE designs, the structures of new vehicles are evolving radically to accommodate batteries, calling for new cooling methods, lightweight materials, and optimal aerodynamics.
• Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication: V2X refers to vehicle-to-everything technology or systems that connect vehicles and transport systems; the technology assists in safety, traffic flow, and the general improvement of driverless or autonomous vehicles.
• Autonomous Driving Hardware and Software: Self-driving cars operate through a combination of sensors, laser technology or lidar, cameras, and numerous pieces of software that use AI algorithms to operate independently of a driver.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Most current vehicle designs support OTA updates, which allow manufacturers to update and correct the software, introduce new features, and enhance the performance and security of new vehicles without having to physically call them.
• Cybersecurity Measures: As connectivity increases, cars must be protected from hacking and data breaches through good cybersecurity measures.

B Tech Automobile Engineering and Its Scope

B Tech Automobile Engineering is an expansionary profession that entails establishing, producing and servicing automobiles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even buses. B Tech in Automobile Engineering colleges combine Mechanical, Electrical and Software engineering subjects to innovate vehicles that the world requires today.

Key Points:

• Broad Scope: Automobile engineering comprises numerous areas of specialisation, including automobile design, manufacturing, safety and tests, and repairs.
• Industry Growth: The automotive industry worldwide is widely believed to be worth about $8. 9 trillion by 2030 due to the craze for electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving cars.
• Contribution to GDP: The automotive industry accounts for approximately 7% of India's economy. About 1% of the country's total GDP generates nearly 37 million direct and indirect jobs.
• Emerging Technologies: The field is slowly growing because of the incorporation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, different fuel systems, and vehicle interconnectivity.
• Career Opportunities: The profession of automobile engineers in the field of research and development, designing automobiles, assembling them, and controlling their quality in the manufacturing industries is quite diverse and wide, and the service sector of the automobile industry is also very large.
• Sustainability Focus: The trend to migrate to environmentally friendly vehicles is also putting demand for engineers with a speciality in electrical and hybrid systems.

Manipal University Jaipur Paving Way for the Automobile Revolution

In recent years, the automotive industry has been transforming due to producing smart, connected, and autonomous cars. Manipal University Jaipur is the right place to develop future automotive engineers. The B Tech Automobile Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur is a four-year undergraduate program that trains students for this growing industry.

Key Features of the Program

• In-depth curriculum includes automobile styling, production, electronics, engine design, and Automation/Green technologies, including EVs.
• Hands-on learning offers general and laboratory sessions as well as internships to put into practice concepts learnt theoretically.
• Industry-relevant training ensures that the students align with new automotive paradigms and undertake their course in a way that exposes them to automotive challenges.
• Career readiness prepares graduates to work in design, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as in Research and Development and advanced vehicle technology.

Manipal University Jaipur Nirf ranking reflects that it is one of the best B Tech in Automobile Engineering colleges. It contributes to developing a new generation of engineers known as ‘mobility engineers’ or ‘future mobility engineers’.