- Objectives and problems it solves
- Security
- Comfort and communication
- Importance of autotronics
- Electric cars
- Autonomous cars
- What does an autotronics technician do?
- Skills and abilities
- References
The autotronics is a discipline in which knowledge of micro electronics, telematics, robotics and information technology in the automotive sector are applied. It is a branch of engineering that encompasses everything that is operated by sensors and electrical systems in a vehicle, allowing greater interaction with the user.
Its main function is to improve the safety, comfort and sustainability of cars through the use of technology. Among the latest trends driven by autotronics are electric cars and autonomous vehicles.
Autotronics seeks to improve the safety, operation and sustainability of vehicles through the use of technology. Source: pixabay.com
Today, many of the functions of cars are no longer mechanical and are controlled by processors that record data and display it on a screen. This facilitates the evaluation of the vehicle at all times and enables a quick diagnosis in case of anomalies.
In addition, it also improves its maintenance, by having instant information on the state of the tires, fuel, lubricants and other issues that make them work properly.
Objectives and problems it solves
The objectives of the autotronics are to develop electronic solutions that improve the safety, comfort and operation of vehicles.
Also energy efficiency and the reduction of environmental pollution that these produce.
To do this, this discipline manages the car's computer-driven systems, such as the engine control unit, ignition, electronic transmission, navigation, stability, and instrumentation.
Another aspect in which autotronics works is in the development of communications and entertainment within the car.
According to a report by the Chilean magazine Electro Industria, currently 30% of production costs and 90% of innovations in modern vehicles are related to electrical and electronic systems.
Security
Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, increasing the level of safety of vehicles is one of the priorities of the autotronics.
In this field, its developments aim to improve car control, decrease the possibility of errors and protect passengers in the event of a coalition.
The new designs include more efficient braking, steering, suspension, lighting and stability systems. Also safer airbags (airbags) and belts, and distance detectors from other cars that warn about possible contacts.
Comfort and communication
Improving the comfort of the driver and the rest of the passengers is another of the aspects in which the autotronics works the most. This includes acoustic comfort, climate control (heating and air conditioning) and the design of more visible and easier to manipulate instrument panels.
On the other hand, the new developments aim to improve wireless communication between vehicles and generate windshields with augmented reality that make it possible to offer services and information on routes, traffic and much more.
Importance of autotronics
Among the latest trends driven by autotronics are electric cars and autonomous vehicles. Source: pixabay.com
One of the fundamental aspects of autotronics is related to energy efficiency and the reduction of environmental pollution produced by vehicles.
In that field, the future trend points towards the proliferation of electric cars and autonomous cars.
Electric cars
These are vehicles powered by electric motors, which use energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
They stand out for being quieter and much more ecological than those powered by internal combustion, thus avoiding both atmospheric and acoustic pollution.
On the other hand, having simpler mechanics makes it more difficult for them to break down, so they are also cheaper to maintain.
Although at first they offered little autonomy, over time their batteries have improved their capacity and today they allow to travel more than 300 kilometers on average, depending on each car.
In turn, reload times also decreased notably.
Autonomous cars
The autotronics sectors of the main companies in the automotive industry are working on projects for autonomous driving vehicles, which are increasingly advanced.
The implementation of radars and computer systems, combined with GPS navigation, will soon make it unnecessary for drivers inside cars.
In this way, all passengers can dedicate themselves to other activities while being transported to the desired place quickly and safely.
On the other hand, these cars will also include the automatic parking option, which will free people from another task that can sometimes be very cumbersome.
What does an autotronics technician do?
In most of the world's universities, autotronics first emerged as a subject within the field of engineering.
However, due to the importance it gained over time and the need for further professional development, it soon turned into an independent career.
Today, an autotronics technician is dedicated to designing technology solutions within the automotive industry.
His training includes scientific, technical and humanistic knowledge that allows him to plan, evaluate, build and operate electronic systems, in order to improve the operation and efficiency of vehicles.
On the other hand, this professional is also trained to perform automobile inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repair tasks, in everything related to sensors, processors and software.
Skills and abilities
During his tasks, an autotronics technician applies knowledge of micro electronics, telematics, robotics and computer science to understand the physical phenomena of the electrical systems of cars.
In addition to new technological developments, within its competencies are also the creation and execution of maintenance routines, both preventive and corrective.
This includes the inspection and correction of faults, the application of safety and hygiene standards and the quality control of all its components.
In this way, the field of work for an autotronics technician includes both automotive design factories, technical review plants, dealerships, mechanical workshops and fleet maintenance units, among other possibilities.
References
- Camilla, Luis (2007) Autotronics: Electronics in vehicles. Electro Industria Magazine. Chile. Available at: emb.cl
- Elettronica Veneta. Autotronics. Catalog number 33. Venice. Italy.
- AIEP Professional Institute. Engineering in Automotive and Autotronic Mechanics. Chile. Available at: admision.aiep.cl
- Automotive mechanic. Autotronics General Description Manual for Automotive Mechanics. Available at: mecanicoautomotriz.org
- Automotive electronics, Wikipedia. Available at: es.wikipedia.org