The automotive industry is known to be traditional and conservatives. The methods established decades ago are still part of the industry’s current practices. Say, for instance, the assembly line. This innovation created such a significant impact before that it is still practiced today.
However, this innovation works together with a newer innovation that involves advanced technology. The practical use of artificial intelligence is paving its way in such a traditional industry. Let’s see how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of automobiles.
What AI Brings to the Automotive Industry
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Similar to how digital innovations affect other industries, such as media, finance, and telecommunications, the use of artificial intelligence promises maximum growth of potential in the industry.
With how technology is a major driving factor for these industries, it is not impossible that artificial intelligence technology will also take the center stage in the automotive industry. As a new adapter of this advanced technology, it is expected that a lot is still in store for future developments.
1. Easier Design Process
Artificial technology is slowly integrated into some processes of car manufacturing, especially in automobile design. Creativity is one of the hallmarks of the human race, but with the proper use of technology, the limits of human creativity are extended.
Despite the rational fear of the human-like intelligence of this technology, some designers are enjoying and taking advantage of this development. Holger Hampf of Designworks claims that artificial intelligence enables new approaches during the conception of the design.
He further claims that AI technology is an aid in design. It makes the process easier for the designer, rather than taking over the role of the designer.
With a more swift approach in the designing process, the entire manufacturing process accelerates. The designer does not need to create more than ten renditions of one design, a software or a machine that implores artificial intelligence can take on that responsibility.
2. Manufacturing Advances
Apart from advances in the designing process, this advanced technology is also making leaps and bounds in the production process. Assembly lines in modern automobile companies are manned by robotic arms and sensors that are accurately programmed to do repetitive tasks. In the process of automated production of automobiles, inductive proximity sensors are distributed in the conveyor lines of various links to detect and track assembled automobiles.
Several manufacturing companies are using AI in assembly. Hyundai launched its innovation of wearable robots. These exoskeleton robots aid the workers to minimize body pain, discomfort, and fatigue throughout the process.
Transferring materials within the warehouse poses real struggles and threats to companies even if elaborate flow systems are established. Otto, another vehicle manufacturing company, set up an intelligent transport vehicle. This self-learning vehicle navigates the space without extra guidance and effectively reduces the number of accidents related to materials transfers.
3. Easier Customer Support
Excellent customer service will always be an edge for any company; automotive manufacturers included. Customer support can be quite different for vehicle owners. More often than not, the priority is the condition of the vehicle. Most often, customer support comes in the form of vehicle aftercare.
However, clients may experience problems with your products that do not require mechanical services. There might be questions about processes and this is where a well-designed chatbot comes in. Machine learning and artificial intelligence supply excellent customer service for you. What makes it better is that it is available at all times, making it possible to serve a global market.
More than that, with the AI application, clients will experience a semblance of human interaction rather than a generic robotic type of conversation.
4. Hybrid Vehicles
This type of advanced technology is also the stepping stone of the production of hybrid vehicles. Industry giants, such as Kia, have their hybrid cars. Kia Niro is a modern take on hybrid cars complete with a sleek design and Kia’s Drive Wise Driver Assist feature. This feature is built on AI technology.
Aside from the driving feature, hybrid and electric cars also utilize AI technology to optimize their performance. Hybrid cars are not only an attempt at sustainable living, but it is also a prime example of how AI makes everyday activities easier for the end-users.
5. Self-driving Automobiles
Tesla made it to the books by commercially producing a car model with a fully operational auto-pilot feature. The AI system in Tesla’s Model S generates data from the user’s current experience with the feature. This system’s capability provides Tesla’s team with the necessary data to continue improving the system. Apart from providing a better auto-pilot experience, the AI system also analyzes data for improved customer safety when using the feature.
Taking On the Center Stage
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The benefits that the automotive industry reaps now from using artificial intelligence technology is only the beginning. Understandably so, the industry is considered a newbie in using this technology. Developers and manufacturers are working hand in hand to create new ways on how to integrate AI technology into the end-to-end process of the automotive industry.
Seeing as how beneficial it is today, it is possible that AI will completely take on the center stage of this industry. If it continues to prove its advantages on the different facets of this industry, it will, most likely, become a staple and necessary technology for all vehicle manufacturers.
It is proving to be useful in both the starting point of the manufacturing and in the client service follow-through. Who’s to say that AI will not have a place in the other important aspects of the industry. Together with machine learning, the people behind car manufacturers may mostly be working with developers and robots in the future.
There is a high possibility that AI will take on the automotive industry’s center stage over the next few years.
Conclusion
The automotive industry is opening its arms to adapting more advanced forms of technology. Automation and robots may be the future of this industry and it’s happening sooner than we all assume. From the designing, assembly, and even customer service, AI technology is marking its necessity.
With how AI chips are working in the manufacturer’s favor, more car models will have them in the near future. The question now is when will AI technology completely win over the automotive industry.