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Data Insights Internet of Things in automotive: Accident detection telematics

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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.

Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.

300+ innovations will shape the automotive industry

According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the automotive industry using innovation intensity models built on over one million patents, there are 300+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Within the emerging innovation stage, autonomous steering, LiDAR scanners and intelligent predictive maintenance are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Sensor-integrated mirrors, smart street lighting and automatic parking assists are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are remote trip monitoring and smart speed governors, which are now well established in the industry.

Innovation S-curve for Internet of Things in the automotive industry

Accident detection telematics is a key innovation area in Internet of Things

Accident detection telematics employs sensors and data analysis to identify and analyze vehicle collisions in real-time. This system collects data on vehicle movements, collisions, and other factors using various sensors such as accelerometers and GPS. The data is then processed and analyzed to establish whether an accident occurred, the severity of the accident, and other pertinent information. Insurance companies, emergency services, and car owners can all benefit from accident detection telematics to increase safety and reaction in the case of an accident.

GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 105+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established automotive companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of accident detection telematics.

Key players in accident detection telematics – a disruptive innovation in the automotive industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.  

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’. 

Patent volumes related to accident detection telematics

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance is one of the leading patent filers in accident detection telematics. The company has joined hands with USAA to include crash detection features in their individual mobile apps. Following the technology, the firm introduced its new Accident Assistance function in its Drive Safe Save app, initially rolling it out to clients across Texas and Florida. The app asks the driver to confirm whether a crash has happened after using the sensors on their smartphone to identify a potential collision. If so, the app provides safety advice, enables to call, and allows to instantly file a claim through a simplified procedure. The Allstate, INRIX, and Cox Enterprises are some other key patent filers in accident detection telematics, contributing to the development of accident detection features.

In terms of application diversity, Viatris leads the pack, while Cox Enterprises and Flex stood in the second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, INRIX held the top position, followed by Flex and Apogee Technology.

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the automotive industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Internet of Things (IoT) in Automotive.

GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.