Many industries are now taking advantage of the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Unlike regular automation technology, AI can learn from new data independently and adapt. One industry where AI has become a driving force for exciting new possibilities is the automotive industry. From design to maintenance, AI is likely to bring about many exciting new changes. Below are a few examples.
Digital twins
Digital twin technology involves using AI to test and adapt new vehicles by creating a virtual identical copy. Using sensors on physical prototype vehicles, a digital version can be created that learns to react to situations on a screen exactly the same way as the physical version. While the physical version can then be put through tests on the road, the virtual version can be put through different tests simultaneously to collect more results. This can reduce the amount of physical tests needed and allow a greater amount of testing to be carried out to help detect and iron out all snags before the car goes to market.
This guide explains more as to how a digital twin in the automotive industry works and how it could allow manufacturers to produce drastically greener and safer cars in the future through more thorough testing.
Autonomous driving
Self-driving cars are already a reality. They are legal in three states and there are already thousands in use. Alongside fully autonomous vehicles, there are many semi-autonomous vehicles on the road that can independently carry out parking manoeuvres and even change lanes on highways. These autonomous features are the result of years of training physical prototypes and digital twins to react in various situations.
This post explains more as to how autonomous driving has been made possible and the predictions for its use in the future.
Photo: Roberto Nickson
Predictive maintenance
AI can also be used to help provide predictive maintenance. By installing sensors around the car and monitoring driving habits, it’s possible to detect the risk of various future problems. This can allow repairs to be made in good time before faults become serious or knock-on damage is caused.
Some cars already have this predictive maintenance technology in place. Car repair centres can also use AI diagnostic tools to predict future problems based on current wear and tear. This could potentially help drivers to save money on maintaining their car, as well as preventing time-consuming breakdowns.
Generative design
Some manufacturers like Toyota are even using generative AI in the design process. Using generative AI combined with AI testing using digital clones, it may be possible to manufacture radically new car designs in the future. Generative design programs still take into effect how the performance of a vehicle is affected to make sure that these new designs are still practical.
The use of generative AI in car design is not likely to replace human design, but could still be a useful tool for manufacturers to play around with. You can learn more about how generative AI is being used to design cars here at this article.