Where is computing driving cars?

Cars offer an excellent example of ubiquitous computing, and a technologica l revolution is currently underway that will eventually see in-vehicle comp uters empowered with increasingly complex sections of the driving task. In this article, we critically review the effect of ubiquitous computing in ca rs with reference to the psychology of the driver and present a survey of a utomotive researchers drawn from five major car-makers. The results illustr ate the role of the computer in vehicles over the short, medium, and long t erm. Systems that are likely to be fitted into vehicles in the next 5 years include sophisticated electronic architectures and greater penetration of navigation and telematics systems. In the next 5 to 15 years drive by wire and collision sensing are anticipated. In the long term, 15 years and beyon d, advanced driver-assistance systems will increasingly automate the drivin g task, and in-car personal computers and Internet will be commonplace. We conclude that the increased complexity and prominence of computing in cars requires further investigation of the needs, abilities, and limitations of the driver if the aims of safety, efficiency, and enjoyment, as well as gre ater ubiquity are to be realized.