As we have already mentioned in our previous articles, artificial Intelligence is impacting Business and the automotive sector in amazing ways. Most of us have heard about self-driving cars, parking assistance and even “halo” applications in modern electric cars. However, AI is impacting the sector in a different, but equally important area: Car Maintenance.
Car maintenance is an important part of the automotive sector. All cars require maintenance to function properly and to be able to avoid failures. This said, AI is starting to be used in two ways: Automotive Maintenance and Predictive Maintenance.
Automotive maintenance requires the owner to have at least basic knowledge about its car need. All vehicles include an owner’s manual, that helps the owner know, in general terms, when certain maintenance is required. However, these manuals have basic information that does not consider how the owner drives and where he drives. To help maintenance, most cars (all newer cars) have sensors that help diagnose when a part is failing, needs repair or requires change (oil, filters, etc.). To help with these processes, as well as inspection processes, manufacturers and mechanics have implemented AI tools that help the carry out automotive maintenance. Some of these tools are included by the manufacturer in the car, to help them read sensors and determine, in a more precise way when a part must be replaced. Others are used by mechanics to help them obtain data that can allow them to understand how and where the damage is, or read the information in the car for better and more transparent inspections.
Predictive Maintenance is used by manufacturers and mechanics to know when will a part require replacement, when can a failure occur and/or how long will a product last. AI is fundamental for this process, analysing data and information from the vehicle (regarding, how and where it is driven) to predict and correct errors before they happen. Predictive maintenance is carried out in the vehicle (through sensors and an onboard AI), as a fleet (companies with a large fleet of cars monitors the use of the cars by linking the ICU’s), in the supply chain (through mechanics collecting data from their customers) and via vehicle addons for car owners (dongles and/or software).
The use of AI in the car maintenance sector clearly is beneficial, as it helps owners, mechanics and manufacturers carry out maintenance, but it also helps them predict when this is required. The benefits do not stop there, as with technological progress, AI develops in a way in which it can help predict and prevent not only wear and tear but also accidents.
The future use of AI is bright, with new uses emerge every day, such as: i) helping car insurers find out the state of the car, to help determine the correct insurance policy to apply to a car and its owner; ii) vehicle voice integration, allowing the AI generate recommendations by learning from your behaviours and habits; and iii) self-repairing cars.
