The ABCs in the Future of Automotive

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation; with cutting-edge technologies poising to rethink our perceptions of transportation as the impetus. With companies already leveraging such tech and seeing results, exploring how these innovative technologies reshape various aspects of automotive capabilities can be made as simple as ABC.

“A” as in A.I: Redefining Automotive Design and Engineering

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain.” ~ Henry Ford

Traditional design methods are reliant on human intuition and trial-and-error -. Artificial intelligence, especially generative or Gen AI is rapidly reducing human intervention and is revolutionising automotive design processes by offering an alternative approach that is more efficient and data driven. It can optimize performance, efficiency and aesthetics using large datasets and sophisticated algorithms.

For example, Expleo used Artificial Intelligence to improve the accuracy of an automotive manufacturer’s visual inspection process. The improved 3D camera system reduced processing time from 50 seconds to 30 seconds and was allowed to be deployed in 15 factories globally.

A key advantage of Gen AI - is that it can explore design spaces identifying novel solutions that human designers may have overlooked. For instance, using Gen AI, we could create lightweight structure designs that have intricate geometries. Applications in the automotive industry are structurally lighter albeit stronger. This would make for improved fuel efficiency while maintaining robustness, creating improved safety and performance.

“B” as in Big Data: Transforming Automotive Manufacturing

Big Data analytics has significantly enhanced efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness in automotive manufacturing. With sensors, IoT devices and production systems in factory plants all connected towards the daily automobile, the volumes of data produced are vast. Manufacturers can utilise this data to gain important insights into how they carry out their operations, as well as adjust procedures by running the data through sophisticated analytics tools. From improved productivity to an extended equipment lifespan with reduced maintenance costs, the spectrum of benefits offered by leveraging Big Data is wide.

Expleo leveraged big data to kickstart the smart factory process for a gigafactory that belonged to a lithium battery manufacturer for electric cars. It executed this process using agnostic data analysis, meaning examining the manufacturing process data without bearing the end product (lithium batteries) in mind. Besides improving critical manufacturing parameters such as quality, time-to-market and scrap rates, it was also the manufacturer’s commencement into becoming a data-driven company, equipped with smart factories.

“C” as in Cloud: Enhanced Driving & Parking Capabilities

Cloud computing plays a crucial role towards enhancing the intelligence of connected vehicles and improving driving and parking capabilities. Leveraging cloud-based services lets vehicles access real-time data and information. In simple terms, the cloud can augment the day-to-day aspects of using a car. Whether it’s navigation updates, traffic conditions or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), it is capable of enhancing safety and convenience for drivers, on the road and in the parking lot too.

Cloud Computing is also capable of enabling smart parking solutions; leveraging data analytics and sensors to optimise parking space utilisation, and enhancing parking operations in urban environments. By providing drivers with real-time information about available parking spaces and enabling cashless payments and reservations, cloud-based parking solutions enhance convenience and reduce congestion.

For instance, Expleo’s internal R&D Autonomous Valet Parking project found new uses for autonomous driving and parking. This project, which leveraged the cloud, also aimed to enhance the experience of managing intricate technology initiatives spanning multiple countries. Setting out to highlight expertise in mastering a full-scale, technologically advanced, multi-technology project, the company successfully created a full-scale demo car, offering an end-to-end service for the everyday parking experience.

The trifecta of Generative AI, Big Data analytics, and Cloud Computing represent the potential for a paradigm shift in automotive technology. Be it reimagining vehicle design and manufacturing processes or enhancing driving and parking capabilities, such cutting-edge technologies ultimately can influence the future of mobility for generations to come.