Artificial Intelligence and the Automotive Industry

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a regular part of daily life, shaping the way we all work, play and receive a service from things like food deliveries to financial services and even health care. Artificial intelligence (AI) has even slowly begun to transform our vehicles across car brands.

Though AI is being implemented quickly in a variety of sectors, the automotive industry seems to be one of the leading innovators in AI. Car manufacturers use artificial intelligence in just about every facet of the car-making process.

So, as AI becomes more available to the automotive industry, what are some trends we can expect to start seeing?

Safety

I am a huge Tesla fan. Tesla has been one of the leaders in automotive AI adoption since its inception in 2003. One of the company's primary innovations is an AI-powered interior camera above the rear-view mirror to improve cabin safety. Using AI innovation, the camera can detect and monitor drivers' eyes to perceive their drowsiness and avoid on-road accidents. Tesla also has technology that analyzes road images to perform object detection and depth estimation. Using data from its fleet of vehicles in real time, the company's AI is able to effectively warns drivers of nearby risks to avoid collisions.

Hands-Free Driving

We are starting to see car companies expanding technologies that can control the acceleration, braking and steering of a vehicle. In some cases, allowing drivers to ease off the steering wheel or pedals for miles at a time. To be clear, no vehicle on sale today is self-driving or autonomous. Drivers will always need to pay attention! Tesla is the most famous brand associated with this phenomenon, but other brands such as General Motors, Ford Motor and many others are quickly releasing or improving their own systems and expanding them to new vehicles.

Car Assistance

"Hey Siri, what is today's date?" For years, in-car voice assistance has been largely attributed to luxury vehicles. Now, as AI becomes increasingly accessible, it's becoming mainstream. As we continue to make strides in improving digital capabilities, prepare to see even more AI-assistant-powered cars on the market, especially with Apple and Amazon playing in the AI space.

What's Next?

I was reading an article recently regarding Elon Musk and the future of Tesla. For several years he had promised the vehicles would be capable of fully driving themselves. In a recent argument in response to a lawsuit filed in California, Tesla said that its "failure" to realize such a "long-term, aspirational goal" didn't amount to fraud and that it would only achieve full autonomous driving "through constant and rigorous improvements."

I don't know about you, but the rapid speed at which AI is moving, I don't think we are too far away from meeting that goal.