How Can an Automotive Switch Optimize Infotainment System in a Vehicle?

There has been a significant growth in the prevalence and development of artificial intelligence (AI), in order to alter and enhance the experience of the rider. Fully-autonomous vehicles will remarkably modernize the cockpit of the vehicle, and hence lately, we have already witnessed considerable changes in cockpits that highlight semi-autonomous capability. Immaculate functionality and superior comfort are of paramount importance that drive the transfiguration of the automotive interior. These prominent factors are taken into account due to growing inclination towards comfort among customers these days, and also due to the increasing number of functions in the vehicles. Thus, it is pertinent that engineers and designers devote a reasonable time to enhance the user interface depending on the driver and their new environment. An effective switch solution is the gateway to an exemplary user interface. A switch solution should have a quintessential appearance, haptic sound and feel. Hence, to achieve the optimum result, switch manufacturers work in close proximity with automotive manufacturers to enhance ergonomics, aesthetics, and performance.

In addition, OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are devising innovative strategies to integrate electronics for optimizing user functionality and appeal, so as to cater the growing demand for cable assemblies, connectors, switches, and other electronic technologies. Thus, rising number of automotive switch installation to increase the safety and comfort in commercial vehicles is expected to increase the demand for automotive switches across the globe.

Application of Automotive Switch in Gaming and Infotainment Systems

Innovative infotainment systems are reigning expeditiously in the autonomous vehicles, including the installation of gaming capabilities. Some of the prominent vehicle manufacturers are already putting in worthwhile efforts to incorporate effective gaming capabilities directly into the functionality of a vehicle. For instance, they are considering the use of steering wheel and gear shifter paddles for gaming controls when the vehicle is in. For this, detection switches are required to validate if the vehicle is in parking, and then the required gaming capabilities can be initiated. The application of multiuse detect switches is also needed for shifting paddles due to the implementation of dual functionality for shifting gears.

Detect switches are much more flexible and smaller compared to alternate switch technologies such as snap-acting, pushbuttons, and slide switches. Thus, the versatility of detect switches is utterly beneficial for meeting numerous requirements of automotive applications. Apart from versatility and miniaturization, detect switches offer a great deal of reliability, and hence, they have been implanted into high actuation consumer market. Detect switches are also used in the traditional gaming devices to determine the availability of the game card. Most of the vehicles also utilize rotary switches to help through the navigation of multiple infotainment selections.

The Way Ahead for Automotive Switches in the Coming Years

The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has had a moderate impact on the demand for automotive switches, owing to the prevalence of lockdowns in various countries across the globe. Lockdowns led to the large-scale closure of automotive manufacturing plants which drastically impacted the sales of the automotive switches globally. In addition, stringent import and export restrictions imposed by the government adversely disrupted the supply chain, which made it difficult for the switch manufacturers to transport essential components that were required to make automotive switches. But growing prevalence and implementation of innovative technologies such as industrial internet of things (IIOT) is expected to facilitate real-time supervision of manufacturing processes of electronic devices like automotive switches. Furthermore, significant surge in the number of vehicle production and sales of the vehicles, along with the growing rate of industrialization and urbanization across the globe is expected to create tremendous opportunities for driving the demand for automotive switch in the coming years.

About the Author(s)

 

Shreeras Shetty

Shreeras Shetty is currently working in the content writing industry and has a Bachelor’s degree in management studies specializing in marketing. He is passionate about writing and is gaining a significant experience in the Market Research Industry. Outside the office, Shreeras is actively engaged in recreational activities like playing football, trekking, traveling, and athletics.