From tiny chips powering your smartphone to robots assembling cars, AI and automation are rewriting the rulebook and creating waves across industries. In the fast lane of the automotive industry, these technologies are driving a seismic shift. The automotive artificial intelligence market is expected to skyrocket, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 40%, reaching $15.9 billion by 2027! (GlobalNewsWire). This reiterates the transformative role of AI in redefining how vehicles are designed, manufactured, and interacted with—a sentiment strongly supported by findings in our recent report, “Integrating AI: Navigating the Next Wave of Business Transformation,” where 76% of decision-makers interviewed acknowledge the deep transformation AI has brought to the automotive sector. At Expleo, we’ve been creating exceptional experiences for our clients, redefining the essence of automotive engineering.
Simplicity meets sophistication
Gone are the days when horsepower and engine performance were the primary selling point for vehicles. Today’s consumers expect cars that deliver personalised, seamless, and intuitive experiences. That’s where AI in product engineering drives the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), rapidly becoming the industry standard. These vehicles rely heavily on software to define functionality, enabling continuous updates and new features post-purchase—just like your smartphone.
Vehicles today are designed to be more than just a way to get from point A to B. Traditional product engineering when integrated with cutting-edge AI and automation allows us to transcend conventional limitations. Advanced analytics and machine learning help us understand how people use their cars, what they like, and what they need, which helps us improve everything from entertainment systems and seat adjustments to climate control and self-driving features. The result is a car that feels just right for you, not just in terms of convenience, but in making your whole driving experience smarter and safer.
Accelerating engineering excellence
For OEMs, AI and automation are game changers in scaling up engineering activities. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, AI frees engineers to focus on higher-value activities such as innovation and problem-solving.
This is particularly helpful in the design and testing phases of product engineering. For example, AI-driven generative design tools can explore countless design permutations, optimising for performance, cost, and manufacturability within hours—tasks that would take human engineers weeks, if not months. Similarly, AI-powered simulations let us test and tweak designs in real-time, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with physical prototyping.
AI’s ability to predict maintenance needs is another big win. By analysing data from sensors embedded in vehicles, it can spot potential failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This proactive approach makes vehicles more reliable and strengthens customer trust.
Speaking of trust, with great power comes great responsibility. As data becomes increasingly central to automotive engineering, particularly in Automated Manufacturing (AM) modelling, robust cybersecurity measures and strict adherence to ethical AI practices are critical in safeguarding this information and maintaining user trust.
The dual advantage
Automation streamlines manufacturing processes, reducing errors and speeding up production lines with robotic precision. AI complements this by enhancing predictive maintenance, minimising downtime, and leading to more cost-effective production. Generative AI further accelerates development by proposing and testing new designs virtually, reducing the time from concept to market.
Together, AI and automation drive efficiency, cut costs, and shorten the time-to-market for new vehicle models, ensuring manufacturers can respond quickly to consumer demands and market changes.
The road ahead
As digitalisation takes centre stage, AI and automation will become an even significant part of how we design and build all kinds of products, not just cars. This journey, while exciting and full of opportunities, is not without its challenges. Steering through this thrilling era, our focus remains on enhancing the human experience—making technology accessible, secure, and responsive to customer needs. And we can’t wait to see where the road takes us next.
