Mr. Roboto: Are You Under Our Control or a Human?

Many of you know me as “Jack the auto guy.”  With over 30 years as an executive with global automotive OEMs, my passion for making great vehicles culminated in becoming co-founder of NIO, where we created the next generation of mobility products. NIO is more than just an electric vehicle company - NIO develops thinking cars that create a mobility experience through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The development of AI has enabled the introduction of many practical use cases to provide our customers with a more joyful lifestyle.

Car Guys Love Tech!

Traditionally, auto technology has been related to the vehicle itself, such as engine performance or interior comfort. The technology deployed in the auto industry has also enhanced manufacturing and distribution with robotics, especially with the advent of the Internet. AI has been presenting practical use cases for the auto industry over recent years, especially in manufacturing. It has happened so quickly and seamlessly that you wouldn’t even notice…unless you were paying attention.

Since the advent of the Internet, our dependency on technology and the depth of its integration into our lives have gone beyond what many of us could have imagined. 

Is There Still Room for People?

There is a certain amount of confusion about how AI will safely permeate our lives. In 1942, science fiction author Isaac Asimov articulated three rules governing the behavior of robots. For example, a robot “may not injure a human being.”

We rarely worry about being attacked by robots, but there is plenty of concern about whether AI will take over many of the jobs performed by humans. Robots have been working in automobile plants for decades and can be found assisting in surgery and taking on many other tasks previously performed by humans.

When I attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, I saw more and more evidence of AI’s integration in our everyday lives - from smart mirrors, to TVs and of course, cars. 

What Will the Transition Look Like?

 When it comes to making cars, we use robots that are programed to do a task; they do the job precisely and never tire. However, a robot cannot invent like a scientist or show compassion like a doctor. And who on earth would want a chatbot informing you that you have a disease? Not me. There is nothing that can replace the human skill of designing a car or dealing with a patient. But what we can do is utilize technology to make a better, safer and greater user experience in the car. 

At the end of the day, will the new technologies replace humans? As @Kai-Fu Lee recently wrote in Time Magazine,

“There will still be jobs in the age of AI. The key must be in retraining the workforce.”

I agree. Training our employees to interact, engage and utilize AI to help in their jobs and functions within a company. At factories that build NIO vehicles, robots play a vital role in moving components with ease while keeping our workers safe.

So Why Do We Do It?

China is the leader in production, demand and sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs). According to a study by McKinsey, Chinese manufacturers produced 43% of the 873,000 EVs built globally in 2016. It's now ahead of the US market based on the number of EVs circulating on the road. And it’s only growing! With the pollution levels in many big cities in Asia, and the support of local governments, it just makes sense that we build cars to help people and our planet.

No More Anxiety

From day one, the software within our car battery was built to lessen mileage anxiety many customers experience with an electric vehicle. A solid battery energy management system will support a better EV fuel economy, and so enable improved range without increasing the size of the battery pack. We believe technology will be a contributing factor in improving overall range per charge. 

Another example of artificial intelligence in action could be a car’s ability to sense if a driver is having a heart attack or other medical condition. The car would then take over driving and bring the driver to the hospital. Or send vitals to a local hospital or doctor. Again, here is the human connection needed in this situation. The technology supports the needs of the driver and provides vital information to a doctor. Tech plus human is a great combination here.

The efficiencies are endless!

It’s only a matter of time until autonomous vehicles, along with well-developed AI, will be commonplace in our world. As an “Auto Guy” from way back, I welcome the challenge and opportunity that comes with delivering the best vehicles and technology.  

~Jack

Connect: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/jack-cheng-417178141/

Follow: @jackcheng_xpt

Engage: @jcvantatech

Reference: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/527336/do-we-need-asimovs-laws/