KITT could learn, dodge bullets, withstand high temperatures and take independent action. On a lighter note, he could even be offended and crack jokes! The ultra-advanced, artificially intelligent and nearly indestructible car was, of course, viewed as escapism and pure science fiction.
But some of KITT’s features have become reality today …
Artificial general intelligence
KITT was equipped with something called artificial general intelligence.
Artificial intelligence doesn’t exist yet but your new car has some intelligent features.
For example, the Google Assistant, embedded in selected Volvo car models lets you use your voice for in-car functions such as controlling the temperature, setting a destination, playing podcasts or your favourite Hasselhoff tracks on apps like Spotify, sending texts and calling your mum on her birthday. More importantly, it allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Sneaky Mode
KITT featured a ‘silent drive mode.’ This feature essentially dampened engine noise. Impressive, but these days cars are much quieter than KITT ever was. Fully electric cars can be whisper quiet.
Video Killed the Radio Star
In the 1980s CD players were the big thing. But The Hoff could contact home base and communicate with his benefactor Devon and others using KITT’s high tech video display.
KITT’s chunky video monitors might seem antiquated, compared to the in-car screens of today. But consider the head-up display available on some Volvo models. This projects information from the dashboard onto the actual windscreen. The projected image can only be seen from the driver’s position, once again helping to reduce driver distraction.
Alternate power sources
Interestingly, KITT’s engines were powered by hydrogen but could also run on gasoline. It was essentially a hybrid. Quite forward-thinking, just like many cars on the road today.
Move over!
KITT featured a crazy, sci-fi, collision avoidance technology. This didn’t simply consist of KITT telling the Hoff to “get out the way of the oncoming truck”. Instead, it was much more sophisticated and akin to a Volvo car’s steer support functionality, automatic emergency braking system and oncoming lane mitigation. This clever tech uses steering assistance to help mitigate head-on collisions.
KITT surely tried, but it was never this accurate.
X-ray specs
KITT’s anamorphic equaliser allowed the car’s ‘lasers’ to see in the infrared and X-ray spectra.
Cars on Volvo’s next-generation platform SPA2 will be hardware-ready for autonomous drive from production start in 2022, with a Luminar LiDAR system seamlessly integrated into the roof.
These high-performance LiDAR sensors emit millions of pulses of laser light to accurately detect where objects are by scanning the environment in 3D, and are key in creating cars that can navigate safely through complex environments in autonomous mode.
Source: Nikki Chennells – haveyoursaza.co.za
