Mahmud Kotebagil is the CEO, Co-founder and Director at Hyderabad-based company, Beyond Garage. A mechanical engineer from Karnataka, he has been instrumental in founding Beyond Garage (GarageHub Pvt Ltd) for ensuring a hassle-free and transparent service at the comfort of the seat with the help of technology.
Ever since the pandemic’s outburst last year, technological adoption has picked up pace. While every other industry trod on the path of digital disruption, the auto sector was no exception. New-age technologies especially Artificial Intelligence are increasingly foraying into the sector especially in the four-wheeler segment and are paving the way for the AI revolution.
Passe are the days when cars were just utilized for transportation purposes. They are now used for indulging in luxurious and tech-savvy experiences while hitting the road. The acceptance of technology has happened to an extent that in the present times, cars and AI are complimentary to each other. Car manufacturers are now using AI in almost every facet of the car-making process at the global level. Be it putting together the parts via the assistance of robotics or using machine learning so that the car safely makes its way through the traffic, the power of Artificial Intelligence is being leveraged at various levels.
Artificial Intelligence revolution in the auto industry
This advanced technology is being implemented and is transforming the way the vehicles are manufactured as well as their operations on the road. Right from controlling the driving, ensuring cloud services, to driver monitoring, AI has created a place for itself in the auto industry.
AI has enabled the autonomy of cars and the auto industry on the whole. Cars today have tech-savvy sensors that alert drivers in real-time with reference to potentially dangerous situations and help report the driving conditions while the car is moving. AI empowers cars not just to develop general awareness but also provides the drivers intelligence alerts and advanced driver assistance. For instance, on an icy road, it will extend a warning and will slow down the car automatically.
Artificial Intelligence enabled features like forward collision warning systems, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, driver-assisted steering, along with cross-traffic detectors have been introduced by the manufacturers in order to make the cars safer and efficient in operations. The application of Artificial Intelligence in the car manufacturing process ensures greater efficiency, safety, reliability, and flexibility.
AI has also carved the path for the era of the driverless cars. This trend will soon gain prominence and the technology will render a helping hand in reducing the number of accidents, traffic congestion, and emission levels in the times ahead. Artificial Intelligence technology has made the auto industry tech-savvy and connected which alerts drivers for issues related to the engine, battery along with any potential component failure or breakdown via its sensory-based data monitoring features.
Extensive implementation of AI in the four-wheeler segment
The role of AI is indeed vast and extends beyond the operations of cars. It rules the car manufacturing and designing processes as well. The new-age technology is now being used to detect defects in parts, make requisite adjustments, and alert quality control teams accordingly. Its potential is also being utilized for auto painting, automated welding, as well as assembly line functions.
This advanced tech solution has also revamped the in-car experiences wherein in-car virtual assistants and driver-behavior monitoring are emerging to be the key features. The in-car virtual systems with an AI-powered UI allow users to engage with the car’s systems in a simple manner. Via voice command, they will be able to ask for directions, change the temperature, play media in the backseat, etc. just by speaking and commanding.
Those times are not far when your cars will be able to recognize you by your face or voice as AI’s adoption will enable voice and facial recognition along with offering features of fingerprint sensory features for starting the engines in the four-wheeler segment as well. Along with this, AI-powered cameras installed inside the cars will enable the cars to recognize other passengers and alter audio content for individual passengers as well. They will also be able to monitor and recognize the person’s voice, gestures, body language, and facial expressions and will ensure that the driver is aware and alert of his/her surroundings. Digital cockpit as a feature has been emerging due to the adoption of AI technology. Car manufacturers are now investing their time and efforts in developing their innovative and differentiated software along with applications to control and upscale the user experience.
Artificial Intelligence is indeed the binder that connects the in-vehicle systems and experiences together with the sole aim to enhance user experiences and ensure passenger safety. Advancements in AI speech recognition, natural language processing, and text to speech make operating these digital cockpits easier and smoother. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence is also being implemented for offering customized and personalized infotainment cat settings, content, and recommendations basis the user’s preferences and habits.
Summing Up!
Artificial Intelligence has pushed manufacturers to view the industry from a tech-savvy lens. Right from the designing, manufacturing to infrastructure, predictive maintenance, and safety along with AI-enabled cockpit features, auto experiences are enhancing and evolving. The technology of AI has revamped the entire auto industry and has revolutionized the four-wheeler market wherein the cars have turned into a luxurious and tech-savvy experience for the users. The cutting-edge tech solution is being increasingly adopted in the automotive industry and its acceptance will continue to pick up pace in the times ahead as well.