Toyota Navi-Matic

A few years ago, Toyota worked with Aisin AW to develop a system called Navi-Matic. This system tied the GPS system into other vehicle systems to potentially improve vehicle comfort and safety.

For example, the system could recognize a curve approaching and predownshift the transmission for less gear hunting. In another implementation, the suspension could mark bumps and potholes in the navigation system and presoften the adjustable suspension on subsequent trips to better absorb the shock.

The more information that vehicles can collect from the road through systems like Navi-Matic, the better equipped they'll be when the time comes for them to take over driving.