There are some mechanical issues that can be easily detected by the sensors in the car, but there are also some that are a little more nasty. V2M systems are designed to catch those others by listening for them using onboard modules.
Currently being developed by a Delaware-based start-up of the same name, V2M consists of two electro-acoustic sensing modules located in the front and rear of the vehicle and a centrally located control unit.
Utilizing this hardware, the system continuously monitors and records the operating noise of the vehicle. Analog recordings are converted to digital signals and relayed to an online server for analysis by AI-based algorithms. If a problem is detected, the car owner and/or mechanic are notified via an app and an internet-accessible dashboard.
Alerts can also be sent to existing on-board diagnostic systems in vehicles, automakers, and fleet operators. Either way, the idea is to be able to perform the necessary maintenance as quickly as possible before major repairs are required. The V2M name is actually an acronym for “vehicle-to-maintenance.”
Among other things, the system is now said to be able to identify the sound of problem wheel bearings. Timing, tension, idle rollers. and CV joints. Designers are currently working on identifying sounds related to suspension issues.
V2M is intended for use in both internal combustion and electric vehicles. A current prototype version of the system is installed in a Tesla sedan. A market-ready version is expected to be available by June. The company is reportedly already in talks with Ferrari and may eventually include the system as standard equipment on their vehicles.
Source: V2M
