New Delhi, June 9 -- The Indian automobile sector is on the brink of a transformative era. As envisioned in the Government of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers' National Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 (AMP 2026), the industry is projected to generate 65 million new jobs by 2026. However, achieving this growth will require more than scale-it will demand meaningful innovation across the value chain. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play a pivotal role in enhancing multiple areas of design, operational efficiency, and driver experience.
Auto manufacturers are already working on deploying AI/ML to make vehicles safer and the driving experience more automated. manufacturing processes become more precise and efficient under the guidance of AI/ML systems, resulting in lower costs and waste. Advanced AI/ML algorithms can help fleet technicians predict maintenance to reduce unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of vehicles.
These are just a few ways AI/ML have impacted the automotive industry.
This article delves deeper into how companies can leverage AI and ML to foster a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future in transportation.
1. Automotive manufacturing optimization
Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in India face substantial challenges in resource allocation, quality control, and operational improvement. AI/ML provide sophisticated tools for helping them overcome these challenges.
To get a closer look into how AI/ML technologies can be brought to real life application in automative manufacturing:
Automated Quality Inspection: Leveraging AI for quality inspection reduces the chances of human error, while improving the detection of defects in manufactured parts. This not only ensures that each component produced is of the highest quality but also guarantees that the final product is equally safe and reliable.
Optimising Supply Chain with ML: Deploying ML algorithms to supply chain operations allow auto manufacturers and suppliers to predict demand, optimise logistics and manage inventory effectively. This further helps businesses to reduce costs, improve product availability and refine production scheduling.
Reduce carbon emissions with AI-driven energy management: Automotive manufacturers can leverage AI to optimise energy usage with automated control systems. By limiting the energy consumption to only what is necessary, reduces operational costs, energy waste and carbon emissions.
2. Simulation and design
Simulation and design phases often encounter challenges in creating accurate models for predicting real-world performance and feasibility. AI/ML synthesize design elements, materials, and engineering principles to help auto manufacturers develop enhanced vehicles. They can also create more dependable models, enable quick design modifications for optimal performance, and identify possible issues before building physical prototypes.
This can help auto manufacturers reduce development times and improve the success rate on new design projects. Some real-life applications of these technologies can be:
Test-drive concept vehicles with advanced simulation tools: AI/ML provide advanced simulation tools to test vehicle designs in various conditions without the need of any physical fabrication. These simulations can help detect potential errors early, saving time and resources for new product development.
Enhancing vehicle appearance and functionality: AI/ML assist in formulating vehicle designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Integrating these will help contribute to overall advancement and innovation in vehicle design.
Structural integrity analysis to find design weaknesses: Utilising ML systems to analyse the structural integrity of products or vehicles helps identify any weaknesses and discover improvements. Integrating safety standards with ML algorithms will not only help creating safer vehicle components but also ensure they are long lasting and in compliance with safety regulations.
3. Cybersecurity
The auto manufacturing sector must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets. Cyberattacks can range from unauthorized access to critical systems, data breaches exposing sensitive user information, or more sophisticated attacks aimed at compromising vehicle functionality and safety.
AI/ML work around the clock to detect, counteract, and prevent these malicious attacks. They can be leveraged to implement more secure cybersecurity networks including:
Detection of anomalies and faster remedial actions: AI/ML actively monitor vehicle systems to identify abnormal patterns or deviations in real time. Immediate detection of unauthorized or malicious attacks allows for quick remedial action, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Threat intelligence and predictive analytics: 'By leveraging threat intelligence and analysing vast datasets, businesses can gain insights into emerging threats and vulnerabilities. AI/ML algorithms can enhance security against any cyberattack and data breach by responding to threats before they can cause any serious damage.
Automated incident response: By streamlining incident response through automation, cyberattacks posing threats, potential damage can be controlled. This reduces the burden of human resources and minimises any manual intervention.
Indian Automotive Industry - The Way Forward
The future of India's automotive industry is set to witness remarkable growth, which blends technological innovation, shifting consumer preferences and government initiatives that set the path forward for India to become a global market leader in the coming years.
As the country gradually transitions towards EVs and sustainable mobility solutions, it is also important to address how the adoption of intelligent systems and automative AI/ML solutions have helped many automative companies achieve profitability by optimising operations and leveraging new age technologies. With growing opportunity for India to become a leader in shared mobility by 2030, we should think and reflect on the innovations that can lead to this growth and will continue shaping the future of India's automotive sector. These advancements will not only shape the future of mobility but also drive India's economic and technological progress.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.