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June 5, 2023 by John Makin, Ronny Kraehe and Ferdinand Arndt
Say goodbye to the anxiety of broken vehicles and high repair costs — self-healing vehicles are set to revolutionize maintenance in the automotive industry.
From their phones to their homes, most modern drivers expect a seamless, digital user experience across many aspects of their life. This experience extends through modes of transport; especially cars. This means, that automakers’ customers aren’t primarily looking for mechanical features such as more horsepower and torque, but more for software features, such as innovative and intelligent driver assistance, infotainment and connectivity solutions.
However, increasing the amount and complexity of software in a vehicle will lead to more errors: These errors need to be detected and fixed as fast as possible to maintain a high quality of service to users and to reduce broken down cars (and therefore prevent loss of reputation and sales). The problem is, who will repair or fix the software? A mechanic in a garage couldn’t manually browse through all the log files and stack traces to identify an issue’s root cause and finally fix it. So, such vehicles need a remote diagnostics and repair solution, where all the vehicle’s diagnostics data is transferred to and analyzed in a remote environment such as a fleet operation center. Here, with the support of ML and AI, subject matter experts can first identify the root cause and then fix it, (e.g., by restarting or deactivating services in the vehicle, or through software updates). Ideally, upcoming issues can be proactively fixed before they happen, using the analytics’ power for predictive diagnostics.
The automotive industry is experiencing rapid transformation with the integration of advanced software development and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. So remote diagnostics and repair lays the foundations for one of the most intriguing advancements in this field: The development of self-healing automobiles. These vehicles are designed to diagnose and repair themselves, significantly reducing maintenance costs and increasing vehicle life. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of software development and AI in self-healing automobiles and see how they’re revolutionizing the future of vehicle maintenance.
Self-healing vehicles are equipped with advanced systems capable of detecting, diagnosing and resolving various issues autonomously. These systems rely on sophisticated software algorithms and AI-driven technologies to identify potential problems and take corrective actions, such as recalibrating sensors, adjusting engine performance or updating relevant software components.
Advanced sensors: Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors that collect real-time data on various parameters, such as temperature, pressure and speed. These sensors are essential for self-healing automobiles, as they help monitor the vehicle's performance and detect any anomalies.
Machine learning and AI: By leveraging machine learning and AI, self-healing automobiles can analyze data from sensors, identify patterns and predict potential issues before they escalate into severe problems. AI-driven algorithms enable vehicles to make informed decisions, such as scheduling maintenance tasks or adjusting performance parameters to prevent further damage.
Software updates: Self-healing automobiles rely on constant software updates to improve their diagnostic capabilities and enhance their ability to address new and emerging issues. Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow automakers to remotely update vehicle software, ensuring that self-healing systems are always equipped with the latest algorithms and fixes.
Advanced materials: Self-healing materials that have the ability to repair themselves when damaged are an essential component of self-healing automobiles. These materials, such as self-healing coatings or polymers, can help protect the vehicle from corrosion, scratches and other forms of wear and tear.
Reduced maintenance costs: By diagnosing and resolving issues autonomously, self-healing automobiles can significantly reduce maintenance costs. Owners will no longer need to spend on routine inspections and services, as the vehicle takes care of itself.
Enhanced vehicle life: By addressing issues promptly and effectively, self-healing automobiles can help prolong vehicle life. Timely maintenance and repair can minimize wear and tear, ensuring that the vehicle remains in optimal condition for longer periods.
Improved safety: Self-healing automobiles can detect and resolve critical issues that could potentially lead to accidents, thereby enhancing overall safety. Advanced diagnostic capabilities can help prevent system failures or malfunctions that may compromise vehicle performance and safety.
Environmental benefits: By optimizing engine performance and reducing the need for replacement parts, self-healing automobiles can help lower carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of vehicle ownership.
The integration of software development and AI in self-healing automobiles is paving the way for a new era of vehicle maintenance and ownership. With the potential to reduce costs, enhance safety and minimize environmental impact, self-healing automobiles are set to revolutionize the automotive industry. As AI and software development continue to advance, we can expect further innovations and improvements in self-healing vehicle technology, making our roads safer and more efficient for all.
John Makin
Ronny Kraehe
Ferdinand Arndt
