--- title: Chemistry and the Self-Driving Car description: Everyone thinks about computers when it comes to self-driving cars – but what about chemistry? Learn how chemistry plays a role in developing self-driving cars. image: https://info.noahtech.com/hubfs/Chemistry%20and%20the%20Self-Driving%20Car.jpg --- [(210) 691-2000](tel:+1-210-691-2000) [![Logo2](https://info.noahtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo2.png?width=300&height=124&name=Logo2.png "Logo2")](http://noahchemicals.com) - [Home](https://noahtech.com/) - [Products](https://noahtech.com/products) - [About Us](https://noahtech.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://noahtech.com/contact) - [Home](https://noahtech.com) - [Product Search](https://noahtech.com/products) - [Our Products](https://noahtech.com/our-products) - [About Us](https://noahtech.com/about-us) - [Mission Statement](https://noahtech.com/about-us/mission-statement-and-quality-policy) - [News & Blog](https://noahtech.com/blog) - [Resources](https://noahtech.com/about-us/resources) - [Newsletter](https://info.noahtech.com/newsletter) - [Custom Manufacturing](https://noahtech.com/about-us/custom-manufacturing) - [FAQs](https://noahtech.com/about-us/faqs) - [Customer Support](https://info.noahtech.com/customer-support) - [Contact](https://noahtech.com/contact) - [Special Request Form](https://noahtech.com/about-us/mission-statement-and-quality-policy) - [Request a Quote](https://info.noahtech.com/request-a-quote) - [Customer Support](https://info.noahtech.com/customer-support?_ga=2.105203267.1728866925.1585494791-2131920613.1585264299) - [OpenCart Footer](https://noahtech.com/oc-footer) - [Quality Assurance](https://noahtech.com/quality-assurance) - [Credit Application](https://noahtech.com/credit-application) - [Thank you](https://noahtech.com/credit-application/thank-you) - [Privacy](https://noahtech.com/privac) - [Sitemap](https://noahtech.com/sitemap) - [Request a Quote](https://noahtech.com/request-a-quote) - [Landing page](https://noahtech.com/landing-page) - [Industries](https://noahtech.com/industries-1) [Request a Quote](https://noahchemicals.com/request-a-quote/) [Request a Quote](https://info.noahtech.com/request-a-quote?_ga=2.40772194.1728866925.1585494791-2131920613.1585264299) ![banner](https://info.noahtech.com/hubfs/NoahTech_April2020/img/banner.jpg) # Chemistry and the Self-Driving Car Diane Milner May 29, 2017 9:06:00 AM ![Chemistry and the Self-Driving Car.jpg](https://info.noahtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chemistry%20and%20the%20Self-Driving%20Car.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=Chemistry%20and%20the%20Self-Driving%20Car.jpg) Self-driving cars are the talk of the auto industry, but they’re disrupting other sectors too. In fact, reverberations have sounded as the technology advances [in fields as far flung](http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/03/self-driving-cars-will-disrupt-10-industries-commentary.html) as real estate, hospitality, and law enforcement. One sector poised to capitalize on the advent of truly “self-driving cars” is the global chemicals industry, particularly for those involved with automobile manufacturing. **The Chemistry of Self-Driving Cars** Unsurprisingly, the [actual chemical mechanics](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/the-chemistry-in-your-car) of self-driving vehicles will work much the same as traditional manned automobiles. Engines will run off fuel injections that result in combustion. Liquid cooling systems in the engine block will keep temperatures stable via ethylene glycol. [Catalytic converters](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/catalytic-converter-chemistry) will catalyze and purify toxic exhaust. What’s different about self-driving vehicles? Simply stated, it’s the sheer magnitude of *technology* implemented throughout the vehicles, from the wheel base to the steering column to the seats themselves. All these new technological components require a surprising number of specified chemicals to produce. **Technology and the Self-Driving Vehicle** A shocking array of [technological components](https://www.national.co.uk/tech-powers-google-car/) power today’s generation of autonomous vehicles. For example: - **Laser range finders** use dozens of beams to create 3D readings of hazards, vehicles, and road conditions - **Ultrasonic sensors** on wheels keep track of the car’s movements during parking and reversing - **Gyroscopes and tachymeters** inside the vehicle to determine its spatial positioning - **AI robotics** are programmed with learning capabilities and “negotiation” techniques for busy highways But what does all that technology have to do with chemistry? As it turns out…a lot. **The Chemicals in Our Advancing Technology** Which [chemicals](https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-materials-are-used-to-make-computers) are most prevalent in the kind of computing technology that powers self-driving cars? Earth metals like **lead**, **gold**, **copper**, **aluminum**, and **silicon** are commonly used to plate and solder materials together. Plastics and **plastic polymers** are increasingly being used to complete electronic circuits as well as lighten the weight of computing components. And even rare metals like **ruthenium**, **neodymium**, **tantalum**, and **zirconium** are used in the careful construction of computer parts. The American Chemistry Council [says the industry invested](https://www.americanchemistry.com/Enabling-Cutting-Edge-Advancements/) nearly $100 million in R&D in 2015 alone. Technology and chemistry are no longer two distinct disciplines, but symbiotic ones, growing together as advancements evolve. Computing chemicals are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry, in fact, as plastics, adhesives, and technical textiles change alongside technological products.   [Noah Chemicals is a provider of high-purity chemical components](https://www.noahchemicals.com/products/inorganics/) for the technology sector. Increasingly, auto and technology are intersecting in ways that would have been unexpected just a few decades ago. That’s why it’s imperative our on-staff chemists stay abreast of the latest advancements. **Want to find out more? [Contact us today!](https://www.noahchemicals.com/contact-us)** For custom ordering, click[here](https://www.noahchemicals.com/special-request-form). To request a quote, click[here](https://www.noahchemicals.com/request-a-quote). For general questions and concerns, click[here](https://www.noahchemicals.com/customer-support). [Here](https://www.noahchemicals.com/about-noah?tab=--faq--) are our FAQs. [Automotive Chemistry](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/topic/automotive-chemistry) ## Read On ### [4 Ways Chemistry Is Reducing Auto Emissions Harmful emissions from automobiles are one of the foremost environmental challenges facing our...](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/sustainable-automotive-chemistry) ### [The Role of Chemistry in Green Manufacturing Industries and regulatory bodies across the world recognize the impact “greener” manufacturing...](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/chemistry-in-green-manufacturing) ### [A Field Guide to the Chemicals In Your Catalytic Converter As their name implies, catalytic converters use catalysts to convert harmful gas emissions into...](https://info.noahtech.com/blog/catalytic-converter-chemistry) ![](https://info.noahtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/May%202021%20-%20new%20images/tri-icon.png?width=100&name=tri-icon.png) ### QUALITY MATTERS Noah Technologies Corporation is committed to continually improving all of our processes and services. 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