{"id":35866,"date":"2025-11-20T13:14:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T21:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/?p=35866"},"modified":"2025-11-20T13:14:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T21:14:43","slug":"say-n-o-to-ai-for-four-wheeling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/say-n-o-to-ai-for-four-wheeling\/","title":{"rendered":"Say N-O To AI For Four-Wheeling"},"content":{"rendered":"

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AI (artificial intelligence) is involved in many facets of life. Common folks use it to help with everyday tasks. Businesses, even manufacturers, are incorporating AI in their operations.<\/p>\n

To those who suggest bringing AI into four-wheeling, I say, \u201cWhoa, Nelly!\u201d AI, if developed to the extent some envision, could actually be bad for four-wheelers.<\/p>\n

Some \u201csmart\u201d technology already in vehicles<\/strong><\/p>\n

While vehicles don\u2019t have an AI button, many high-tech features exist. Think of the cameras, sensors and dashboard display that are standard equipment. Other options include anti-skid and auto braking.<\/p>\n

These features are useful and add an element of safety to driving. No argument there.<\/p>\n

But drivers shouldn\u2019t rely entirely on technology. Everyone should stay sharp on basic driving skills. And we definitely don\u2019t need drivers fixated on the dashboard screen while trying to navigate a trail. (I\u2019ve seen it.) Smartphones offer enough distraction.<\/p>\n

Why we go four-wheeling<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are myriad reasons for going off-road. Four-wheeling takes us to secluded campsites, fishing holes and hunting camps. To beautiful vistas and overlooks. To old mines, ghost towns and other historical venues.<\/p>\n

In a nutshell, four-wheeling allows us to experience adventures we otherwise wouldn\u2019t while staying in the city.<\/p>\n

Why we like challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

Humans derive satisfaction from solving a problem or overcoming a challenge. That is so true with four-wheeling. Climb a steep hill, navigate through a series of ruts or moguls, deftly slip past a rock-strewn road\u2026The opportunities are nearly limitless. All build confidence and reward with a sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n

Success comes through an understanding of your vehicle\u2019s characteristics and its behavior, some learned techniques, and a lot of experience.<\/p>\n

Even modest challenges make us better drivers. Many four-wheelers say that tackling those obstacles is the fun part. They prefer routes that test their knowledge and skills.<\/p>\n

AI technology could threaten basic skill sets<\/strong><\/p>\n

What does all this have to do with AI in the vehicle? Plenty.<\/p>\n

Taken to the extreme, off-road skills would deteriorate as drivers steadily rely more on AI technology.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say you encounter an obstacle on a trail. You push the AI button, and instantly the system charts a course and engages the vehicle. Using the camera feed, the software processes the data and decides on a particular course of action.<\/p>\n

Sounds OK, right? Are you sure your tires will go where they should? Remember that the software relies on imagery from the camera(s). That video is of limited value, because the camera tends to \u201cflatten\u201d the terrain. Boulders and rocks appear much shorter than they are.<\/p>\n

Once on the move, would the vehicle attain proper speed and direction? Could it react quickly to a sudden change in the terrain?<\/p>\n

Four-wheel drive vehicles are pretty \u201csmart\u201d already. They can automatically adjust throttle speed, change the transmission shift points, and adjust the hydraulic modulators, to name a few features. We\u2019re not quite to the sophistication of the Mars rover, but we\u2019re getting there.<\/p>\n

The human mind is far more powerful and reliable. Take the brain out of the equation, and basic skills will decline. Just as a muscle goes weak if not exercised, driving instincts will dull if AI is allowed to make all the decisions.<\/p>\n

Important to keep those basic skills sharp<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say that technology fails one day. Will drivers be able to cope and continue on?<\/p>\n

In my training class, I have students drive the \u201cold school\u201d way (sans technology) in one part. This lesson has them back down a hill using just the mirrors for guidance. They must use 4 Low, brakes and some accelerator. It\u2019s an interesting exercise.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at another possibility: Suppose someone is injured badly off-road and needs to be helicoptered out. His or her vehicle must be driven out. If it has a manual transmission, could you drive it? This isn\u2019t an AI issue as much as one of fundamentals. Skills that aren\u2019t tested from time to time get rusty. And that\u2019s my concern.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s nip the AI button in the bud<\/strong><\/p>\n

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While we may not be able to prevent the AI button from appearing one day, we should still take a stand against it. AI technology would remove too much of the human component, such as the need for constant decision-making. Decision-making hones our skills and keeps the four-wheeling experience enjoyable. As noted above, facing obstacles on the trails is enjoyable \u2013 and rewarding. What\u2019s the point of four-wheeling if there\u2019s nothing to do?<\/p>\n

Say \u201cno\u201d to AI \u2013 at least in 4WD vehicles.<\/p>\n

#\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 #\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 #<\/p>\n

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Did you miss the previous 2025 articles?<\/p>\n

2025<\/strong><\/p>\n