À̹ÌÁö È®´ë [Photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group]
South Korea¡¯s largest automakers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. said Thursday they have developed the world¡¯s first self-controlling gearshift that reads incoming data and automatically shifts to optimal gear.
The information and communication technology (ICT) Connected Shift System is powered by an artificial intelligence algorithm that interprets data in real time and shifts gears accordingly, the companies said. This is different from the existing smart drive mode that changes gears depending on driver patterns and preferences, they added.
The smart drive mode has already been applied to most of their new models, a Hyundai Motor official said, adding that the new technology would be deployed in future vehicles.
À̹ÌÁö È®´ë [Photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group]
The new ICT Connected Shift System is mounted with the latest technologies, including a 3D navigation with a detailed road map, and cameras and radar for smart cruise control. The 3D navigation collects data on terrain elevation, gradient and curvature, along with traffic conditions and road events. The camera and radar provide information on the speed and distance of cars on the road.
The companies said they have filed 40 patents at home and abroad during the process of development.
Road tests show that the new system offers increased fuel efficiency and better driving experience. The frequency of gear shifts fell by 43 percent when cornering heavily curved roads, and the use of brakes was reduced by 11 percent.
They said the latest technology goes hand in hand with their development of self-driving cars as it will help improve driving performance in response to real-time road and traffic conditions.
By Lee Jong-hyuk and Kim Hyo-jin
[¨Ï Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]