Device plugs into car, pairs with smartphone to report vehicle health and advise on how to drive more efficiently

A new plug-in device dubbed the “Fitbit for your car” is generating a ton of buzz in the vehicular technology industry. 

Drivebot, as the device is actually called, is a small smart device that plugs into a vehicle and pairs up with a smartphone to assess the car’s health, diagnose problems associated with it, and recommend suggestions on what the driver should do in order to repair his / her automobile.

Drivebot helps the user stay up to date on car maintenance and repair issues so that they can be done on time, thereby avoiding huge, costly repairs down the road. It also tracks the user’s driving tendencies and offers suggestions on ways to cut down on mileage and habits so as to save on gas money.

The device plugs into the car’s OBD-II port, which is typically located below the steering wheel, and pairs with the driver’s smartphone via Bluetooth. For those curious, OBD-II compatible cars cover most vehicles sold in the U.S. since 1996. For those even more curious, OBD stands for “on-board diagnostics”, and is the same tool that mechanics use to check the car’s internal state during inspection.

As Drivebot is meant for the average driver, it takes all of the statistics and codes from the OBD and translates it into layman’s terms so just about anyone can stay on top of their car’s health. 

In addition to monitoring the car’s health, Drivebot sends reminders to the user to take their car in for check-ups. It also tracks trips and offers suggestions on ways in which the driver can reduce their mileage and conserve gas. This includes route ideas that use less fuel and real-time tips to avoid traffic; it also monitors how much the driver spends on gas so he / she can see how their driving habits affect their budget.  

Drivebot features enough built-in flash to hold onto a trip’s data for up to two months. It is available with iOS 7 or later, and Android 4.5 or later.

Drivebot is still on Indiegogo even though it has more than doubled its funding goal of $35K—at the time this article is being published, it is above the $85K mark. As the campaign still has 27 days left, a donation of $75 will secure you the smart driving device. 

Shipments are expected to go out come February 2015.

Via PSFK