Innovation, Technology

The Mechanical Bride: Folklore of Industrial Man by Marshall McLuhan

The Mechanical Bride: Folklore of Industrial Man discusses technological transformation and the power of media in organizational society (Baudrillard, 240). Since the days of McLuhan, a lot of changes have been experienced in the motor industry (McLuhan, 86). By analyzing the events discussed by McLuhan, I have compared them with today’s motor features. The new features seem to have evolved drastically into a high-tech design and overall car outlook. In this essay, I will consider the upgraded features that result from advanced technology. These features include the design of the spotlights, camera dashboard, pneumatic tires, ABS, suspension system, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) as the main aspect of the technology.

LED Spotlights and Adaptive Lighting

The world is dynamic; car technology has always been upgraded to provide a gorgeous outlook and good road performance. Hence, it gives users fantastic handling. Spotlight design is one of the attractive features that leave a person gazing at the car. The lights are no longer duller than they used to be. Lighting technology has created a super comparison between the shape and the working system. The new outlook has been enhanced with further modifications and new components. In other words, the lighting system uses LED (light-emitting diodes). The diodes are used in the system because they do not consume much energy, produce satisfactory light, and also give eye-friendly light.

Sensor-Controlled Direction and Automotive Design

The outer part of the spotlight is made up of a fascinating shape that gives the cars a presentable figure. The lighting system has also included some advancements in the use of sensor units, thereby changing the light direction to show a clear path as the driver turns around a corner. The purpose of the sensor units has been the most advanced technological aspect developed in the system, hence making a significant difference from the time of McLuhan. Therefore, the advancement of the lighting system has played a useful role in society. Just like the car, the economic development and business-oriented practices have included supportive infrastructure designed to attract more customers.

Camera Dashboards and Safer Maneuvering

Everybody likes a good navigation system in a car. This desire has resulted in improving the camera and dashboard system. Unlike in McLuhan’s day, cars are now connected to the camera system, whereby the driver uses the camera system when reversing as the most crucial assistance. The reverse camera in a new model is a necessity because drivers need to focus on the reverse direction. Therefore, this gives the driver a more comfortable time than in those early days. In other cases, the camera system has been improved to provide drivers with security while in the car and also to monitor what goes on in the car environment, be it in traffic or normal road usage. Camera technology has helped drivers gain confidence when on the road. Hence, it is a more secure approach to use the car. This has been of great help to society and, more so, to the drivers. Considering the technological aspect, the camera system has assisted in providing safer cars, thereby reducing insecurity and small accidents. This is especially useful in preventing accidents caused by drivers when reversing, parking, and driving in traffic jams.

Pneumatic Tires and Wheel Sensors

For a car ride to be considered fun, technology development has also incorporated pneumatic tires in the car wheel system. These tires are tubeless and found to be more convenient and economical. The technology used in this car assists a secure workforce when it comes to puncture repair. The tire system facilitates the driver in case of a tire burst. The driver can safely park the vehicle with assistance without any vehicle problems since they do not fail immediately like older tires. In any case, the wheel system is connected to sensors, whereby, in case of tire failure, the sensors report the failure, and an indication is displayed on the dashboard. This helps to secure the transport system. Moreover, these tires are also convenient for off-road usage. Hence, the technology is convenient and friendly to the users.

Anti-Lock Braking and Road Traction

A car with a faulty brake system is just a dangerous zone; hence, ABS (anti-lock brake system) is essential to modern car systems. The ABS technology assists in skidding, thus providing road traction with adequate compatibility. This anti-lock system is more reliable, and it assists the driver when stopping the vehicle on a slippery surface. Hence, it provides a safe journey for car users. The anti-lock brake system is connected to the wheel, thereby detecting the road roughness and, in response, performing the necessary traction action. This technological aspect has been beneficial to users, thereby promoting high technology in cars.

Modern Suspension and Passenger Comfort

Luxury and comfort riding is in demand in today’s motor industry. This has led to the development of the suspension system, which is one of the advanced technological systems. Unlike before, the system entails air, hydraulic, and pneumatic suspension systems. Both the driver and the passengers enjoy comfortable rides without shocks or other road-related disturbances. The suspension unit is designed to absorb all shocks, thereby maintaining the comfort of the person on board. Unlike the previously used suspension system that incorporated springs and leaf suspension, the modern suspension is luxurious and advanced for a comfortable ride. This is more secure and safe. Therefore, by providing a highly demanded aspect of the car’s system, this technology is widely accepted in the market and is better for users than it was in the days of McLuhan (Allan & Stan forth, 35).

The Engine Control Unit as the Car’s Brain

Just as a human being has a brain, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) is now used as the brain unit in modern car technology. The ECU is considered the central memory unit in the car, hence the central computer. For the various parts of the car system, there are components known as modules. These modules are connected to sensors on the different parts and, on the other hand, to the ECU. Communication occurs from a specific region of a car to the respective module and finally to the ECU. All areas, including transmission, suspension, lighting, etc., are interconnected to the ECU. Ideally, the signal is then interpreted. The ECU unit is designed to run the central control car system. The ECU units are found in both VVTI and EFI engines. Various software programs are used when it comes to car diagnoses. These programs include the OBDII diagnosing tool software, OBDuino, the Pass-through device, the Datalink Connector, and ELM327, only to mention a few. Therefore, these programs assist in performing health tests on modernized vehicles. ECU technology can, therefore, be considered essential since it has made it easy to carry out services and maintain cars (Hansen, 122).

Technology Comfort and the Modern Motor Industry

In conclusion, in human nature, every aspect of life entails good things that create a happy moment for a human being. Changes in motor vehicle technology have become impressive to the people. With advanced technology, cars are now built to provide comfort while riding and thus satisfy the needs of the community, hence standardization and uniformity by creating the norms of role and status. Consequently, dynamic and supportive car functionality has beautified the car industry more than it was in the days of McLuhan. The significant feature of the car can now keep customers close due to the look and personal desires. These great aspects of the car have initiated the development of infrastructure where people from various areas can interact. The changes experienced have helped to ease the life of human beings. This has also assisted economic growth and related contribution to the economy (Näser et al., 57).

Works Cited

ALLAN, STANIFORTH. “Competition car suspension, design, construction, tuning.” Tercera Edicion, California Haynes (1999).

Näser-Lather, Marion, and Christoph Neubert, eds. Traffic: Media as infrastructures and cultural practices. Brill, 2015.

McLuhan, Marshall. The medium and the light: reflections on religion and media. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2010.

Baudrillard, Jean. “Marshall McLuhan, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, Mc Graw-Hill Book Company, cop. 1964.” L’Homme et la Société 5.1 (1967): 236-245.

Hansen, Arve, and Kenneth Bo Nielsen, eds. Cars, Automobility and Development in Asia: Wheels of Change. Taylor & Francis, 2016.

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