The sapiens car: the future of intelligent mobility
The sapiens car represents a groundbreaking innovation in the automotive sector, according to research presented by the automotive and mobility observatory of Luiss Business School. This new concept vehicle, also known as a “software-defined vehicle” (SDV), integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance safety, optimize the driving experience, and simplify daily tasks.
The study, titled “From sapiens car to sapiens driver,” analyzed the reactions, expectations, and concerns of Italian drivers toward this technology. The findings are remarkable: over 55% of respondents feel ready to drive an intelligent vehicle, appreciating its innovation and user-friendliness.
Technology and safety: a winning combination
Michele Crisci, President of UNRAE, emphasized that the sapiens car is more than just a vehicle; it is a technological ecosystem. “AI does not replace the driver but enhances them,” he stated, highlighting its aim to reduce road accidents and improve mobility efficiency.
Safety is indeed one of the technology’s strong points: 53.5% of respondents trust AI’s ability to prevent accidents, and 62.3% feel reassured knowing these systems are designed to avoid collisions.
Challenges and opportunities for artificial intelligence
However, there are challenges. Drivers expressed concerns about potentially high maintenance and upgrade costs, cited by 83.2% of respondents, and the full delegation of decision-making, which only 28% found acceptable.
Despite these challenges, the AI automotive market is in a highly expansive phase. Currently, eleven SDV platforms are available, and at least eighteen more are expected in the next two years. This growth is also driven by the increasing integration of intelligent voice assistants like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Alexa in vehicles.
A growing market
According to the World Economic Forum, the computing power allocated to AI doubles every 100 days, with the automotive sector now accounting for 17% of the U.S. semiconductor market. Additionally, the market for in-cabin sensing systems is projected to grow to $6–8 billion by 2030.
Toward intelligent and sustainable mobility
The sapiens car is not just a technological advancement but also a cultural shift toward safer, more sustainable, and personalized mobility. Luiss Business School’s research lays the groundwork for integrating artificial intelligence into other sectors, empowering users to play an active and conscious role in decision-making.
