How is technology impacting the automotive industry?

The automotive industry has always been influenced by technology, from autonomous emergency braking to cruise control and the production of electric cars. The industry is showing no signs of hitting the breaks, with developments in AI, machine learning and IoT technology all driving innovation and the demand for IT and tech jobs. Some innovations include:

Self-driving vehicles

Self-driving cars will no longer be a sci-fi fantasy, as it is estimated that the industry could be worth as much as £42billion by 2035 and could create around 38,000 new jobs. Companies including Tesla, Volvo, Ford, and Audi are all developing autonomous vehicles. Currently, many modern cars have features of autonomy that include cruise control and lane-keep assist, these would be classed as level 1. The scale goes from level 1 to 5, with 5 resulting in a fully autonomous car, with an optional driver. According to Statista, it is expected that around 14.5 million autonomous vehicles will be sold in China in 2040.

Personalised driving experience

Developments in AI and machine learning have enabled users to have a personalised driving experience. From being able to monitor driver fatigue to automatic speed prompts when the car detects adverse weather conditions or an accident ahead.

Companies are using cloud computing to help cars understand the road and the driver’s needs, it can also detect any car performance errors. Rather than a single light flashing on the dashboard, and users trying to figure out the problem, a car with AI will help to accurately predict problems in your car even before they are about to occur, potentially saving you from a costly problem or even an accident. 

AI production

As well as being used on the road, AI is also being used in manufacturing. The collaboration of humans and robots working together allows for faster more efficient processes. For example, AI systems can detect potential defects in components before they are sent to production, which will help improve quality control and reduce costs for customers further down the line. AI production can also help reduce potential product waste by using data to predict future product demands, optimise the supply chain.

3D printing

Over the past few decades, 3D printing was predominantly used for creating prototypes, turning a futuristic idea into a tangible model.  Whilst this is still widely used to speed up innovation for new product ideas, 3D printing is now also used for creating customised car parts allowing for a faster and more cost-effective production line.  3D printing can also be used to create spare parts, upon request. For example, if a car is 40+ years old where spare parts become a premium, the ability to recreate these parts at the click of a button will help suppliers reduce lead times and cost. Didier Deltort, President at HP Personalisation, and 3D Printing said ‘Auto manufacturers are among the most demanding in the world and in 2021 we saw leaders such as Volkswagen highlight the use of metal binder jetting for structural components.’

Electric Vehicles

According to the latest vehicle stats, electric vehicle car sales increased by 76.3% in 2021, and there are an estimated 400,000 electric vehicles on the road in the UK. In support of the UK’s net-zero target by 2050, the government have confirmed the ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, as well as £20m funding to aid electric vehicle innovation. Ultimately creating more IT & tech jobs for the automotive sector.

Technology within the automotive industry is showing no signs of slowing down, with an increase in innovative technologies comes an increase in the demand for skilled IT and tech professionals to help reshape the future of driving.