1 Google's driverless cars
Since the internet giant announced its ambition to create a driverless car within the decade, its fleet of 10 converted Toyota Priuses have led the way in self-driving robotic vehicles. So far they have covered more than 300,000 miles on California's roads without incident. The cars have roof-mounted cameras and sensors that constantly scan their surroundings, building up a 3D map of each route. Last year, a blind man named Steve Mahan was able "drive" one of the cars in Morgan Hill, California.
2 The Mercedes-Benz laser-controlled car
Mercedes has fitted a radar system to the front, rear and all four corners of one of its S-Class saloons. Along with cameras concealed in the front and rear windscreens the car collects information and compares it to a 3D digital map created by Nokia. In August, the car drove 62 miles at speed along a prepared route. The great advantage it has over the Google car is that the control equipment is all hidden within the body of the car. Mercedes isn't the only one snapping at Google's heels. Nissan, Volvo, Audi, GM, Ford and Toyota are all working on prototypes.
3 Dynamic cruise control
Cruise control was one of the first great steps towards the self-driving car, but active cruise control takes the system to the next level. You set your desired speed and let the car do the rest. It uses forward-facing lasers to "see" traffic. When it detects a vehicle in front, it reduces your speed. When that car moves over, it resumes the original speed.
4 Collision mitigation systems
Imagine a "digital aunt" sitting in the back seat and keeping a constant watch on the road. If the car ahead brakes suddenly she will alert you. And that's what these systems do. If the distance between you and the car ahead starts to reduce rapidly, it will pre-tense the seatbelts, turn on the hazard lights and, in the most sophisticated systems apply full brakes. Volvo's City safety system will react to pedestrians, cyclists and even animals as well as cars.
5 Parking sensors
Reversing until you feel your bumper pressing on the car behind helps you squeeze into the smallest spaces, but won't impress the neighbours. Sensors now beep and flash as you near an object. Many cars now feature these both at the back and front and occasionally at the side. Using cameras, these images can be viewed on the dashboard. The most advanced models create a bird's eye graphic of your exact position. They'll even watch out for pedestrian crossing behind you.
6 Park assist
For domestic harmony alone, an intelligent parking system is worth its weight in gold. Ultrasonic sensors in the front bumpers scan each space to see whether it is big enough. When it finds one, you select reverse and let go of the steering wheel. The car does everything else. All you have to do is apply the handbrake at the end. Unless, of course, you have an electronic handbrake in which case you don't even have to do that.
7 GPS-controlled gear change
Using GPS to scan the topography ahead, predictive satellite-aided transmission monitors your driving behaviour and matches it to the road conditions. Essentially, it knows there is a big hill around the next bend and so selects the appropriate gear. This improves your drive and saves fuel. Rolls-Royce uses this system to create its so-called "magic-carpet" ride.
8 Attention warning system
Nodding off at the wheel is of huge safety concern. Using a system of in-cabin sensors and driving monitors, your car is watching you for signs of drowsiness. If your driving becomes erratic or your head movements are abrupt, the car will create an unpleasant high-pitched sound and flash a warning at you which states "You are dangerously tired! Stop as soon as it is safe to do so!"
9 Lane departure control
Cameras monitor where your car is in its lane. When you veer near the white line it will make your steering wheel or your seat vibrate. The more advanced systems will also apply "bias braking" to straighten you up, others will even override the steering wheel to keep you safely in the middle of your lane.
10 Dynamic headlights
Lights that turn on and off on their own, point in the right direction and dip when another car is near.
