Considering Automotive Technology Training? Discover Smart Off-road Driving
If you’re contemplating a career in automotive technology, you might be excited to learn about some of the most innovative advancements in the field, especially in off-road driving. One company at the forefront of this innovation is Potential, an automotive technology company based in Fredericton, Canada.
Sam Poirier founded the company from his passion for off-road vehicles and future mobility, which was first demonstrated when he converted a Subaru Impreza into an electric car. The potential has since focused on making off-road driving more accessible and smarter through cutting-edge technology.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Off-Road Vehicles
Potential strives to revolutionize off-road driving by developing software that enhances the experience. In 2022, the company unveiled Adventure 1, a design concept demonstrating how its software technologies could be integrated into production-type vehicles. This concept illustrates a futuristic approach to off-road vehicle design and functionality, promising a new era of smart off-road driving.
Introducing Terrain Intelligence
Potential’s proprietary software platform, Terrain Intelligence, is at the core of its innovation. This technology utilizes forward-facing sensors, such as cameras, radar, or lidar, to interpret various aspects of the terrain, including shape, incline gradient, surface type, and obstacles.
According to Poirier, this platform can deliver multiple outputs, from presenting data to drivers to autonomously adjusting vehicle controls, such as drive mode, suspension settings, and torque levels.
This proactive approach contrasts with traditional driver assistance systems that rely on reactive technologies. As you’ll discover in automotive school, it offers significant advancements in performance, efficiency, comfort, and safety.
Leveraging Conventional Hardware
One of Terrain Intelligence’s standout features is its ability to run using conventional hardware. A standard onboard camera, found on nearly all modern vehicles, can enable 75% of its feature set. This accessibility makes the technology more feasible for integration into a wide range of vehicles, potentially transforming how we approach off-road driving.
Potential’s modular control system, Off-Road OS, uses insights from Terrain Intelligence to autonomously adjust suspension, driveline, and engine settings. By leveraging AI, the system continually improves its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) solutions.
AI enables Terrain Intelligence to become smarter with every mile driven, adapting to various vehicle sizes and ensuring drivers can navigate off-road environments more efficiently and safely.
Real-World Testing and Collaboration
To ensure the efficacy and reliability of its technology, Potential has conducted extensive real-world testing across five countries and three continents. The company has tested its technology on 12 vehicles, including side-by-sides, pickup trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even an armored truck. Potential’s custom-built testbed, P0, is an all-electric, quad-motor, 550hp off-road machine equipped with sensors, allowing customizable configurations to mirror any customer setup.
Furthermore, Potential has partnered with CFMOTO USA, a global manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and motorcycles. Together, they are integrating terrain perception technology into recreational off-road vehicles and conducting real-world testing at Potential’s off-road proving ground in Fredericton, Canada, and at CFMOTO facilities in the USA. This partnership evaluates Potential’s groundbreaking technologies, including Terrain Intelligence, Off-Road OS, and new in-cab driver assistance features.
Embrace the Future With Automotive Technology Training
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, pursuing automotive technology training could open doors to a future filled with exciting innovations. Potential’s advancements in smart off-road driving demonstrate how technology can enhance the driving experience, making it safer, more efficient, and more exhilarating. By understanding and embracing these innovations, you can position yourself at the cutting edge of automotive technology, ready to contribute to the industry’s ongoing transformation.
If you are passionate about off-road vehicles and eager to explore how technology shapes the future of automotive experiences, consider diving into automotive technology training. With companies like Potential leading the charge, the possibilities are endless, and the journey promises to be exciting.
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