BMW using AI to improve vehicle quality control

It could be a nightmare to ensure everything in each vehicle is assembled correctly to spec. That’s where the use of AI comes in.

Artificial Intelligence has taken the globe by storm. From analyzing data to creating realistic photos and videos and even diagnosing illnesses, AI is everywhere. While some consider it a boon, others consider it dangerous. Whatever it is, AI is here to stay.

However, BMW has found another use case for AI.  The German carmaker is employing AI to help improve the quality of its vehicles. BMW’s assembly plant in Regensburg, Germany has initiated a pilot project called GenAI4Q, which is designed to make quality control faster and more reliable than ever before. This new technology “delivers tailored inspection recommendations for the approximately 1,400 vehicles manufactured each day.”

A new car rolls off the assembly line at the plant approximately every 57 seconds.

Many of these vehicles are built to individual customer specifications worldwide. Additionally, they are fitted with a variety of powertrains; conventional combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems, and even fully electric powertrains.

It could be a nightmare to ensure everything in each vehicle is assembled correctly to spec. That’s where the use of AI comes in. Rüdiger Römich, who works in vehicle testing at the assembly plant said, “Our AI tool generates an individual inspection catalogue for each specific customer vehicle.”

This new technology has been developed jointly by BMW and a Munich-based startup company called Datagon AI. This technology analyzes huge amounts of data, everything from the vehicle model and installed equipment to related production information. The AI then recognizes certain correlations and patterns and generates a customized and properly ordered inspection plan, which is accessible from a smartphone app.

“Intuitive usability makes it easy to record findings,” explained Römich. “Employees can also access additional functions when needed – for example, a microphone icon in the app activates voice recording.”

“In this way, we are optimizing our production processes and creating added value for our products and, ultimately, for our customers,” said Armin Ebner, head of BMW’s Regensburg factory. “The use of artificial intelligence supports the digital transformation of BMW Group production towards an intelligently connected factory.”

Cars are becoming more and more complex with the passing of time. With software and computer chips powering important features, using artificial intelligence to improve quality control may just be a step in the right direction for the future.

BMW has set the ball rolling, and it won’t be surprising if other automakers follow suit.

Source: Top Speed