AI: Its Influence in the Auto Industry and Its Impact in Mexico

In previous articles, we have talked about emerging energies for powering vehicles, how governments and markets will react to these innovations, and how the Mexican market will change with the entry of new Chinese brands into the country, including the incremental workforce that will be required.

Taking this a step further, how will artificial intelligence (AI) influence our industry, and how will the Mexican market receive it? AI is the simulation of human intelligence in machines such as computers or even vehicles that are programmed to think and act like humans. Learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language comprehension are all examples of cognitive abilities that may be developed and emulated by machines.

Applied to manufacturing, AI can optimize processes by enhancing quality control, streamlining production lines, and improving supply chain management. AI algorithms can analyze data from sensors to detect defects, reduce waste, and increase production efficiency. AI-powered robots and automation systems can help streamline production lines, reduce errors, and increase overall output. This can lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness for OEMs, and our country, due to its strategic geographical location, could receive great investments in innovative production lines for assembling and distributing quality vehicles in our market, up north and into Latin American countries.

Most new vehicles in the market include several assistance gadgets involving some form of AI. The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is a great example. ADAS includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and parking assist. These features are some of the initial aid  devices that are managed with some type of AI. These systems use AI to analyze data from sensors and cameras to assist drivers and improve safety. They are also the first steps for developing vehicles with autonomous driving.

Other features already included in upper-echelon vehicles now that are related to AI include gadgets that can personalize the in-car experience by analyzing driver preferences, habits, and biometrics. Some virtual assistants can provide personalized recommendations for music, navigation, and climate control, making the driving experience more enjoyable and convenient, enhancing the joy of driving or reducing the impact of stress factors from our surroundings, such as traffic or extreme temperatures. 

Talking about traffic, today’s new vehicles are capable of connecting with our cellphone and taking advantage of apps like Waze or Google maps that use AI algorithms. AI is used to analyze traffic patterns, optimize traffic signals, and improve overall traffic management. By processing data from various sources, such as GPS, cameras, and social media, AI algorithms can provide real-time traffic updates, reduce congestion, and improve transportation systems, issues that are very helpful for maximizing time and optimizing daily activities.

We have already mentioned several driving aids that use AI to help us to be more efficient, but how about security? AI can strengthen vehicle security by detecting and preventing potential cybersecurity threats. AI algorithms can analyze data from various sensors and systems to identify anomalies and protect vehicles from hackers and unauthorized access. They can provide the driver with remote assistance for different situations. They can detect if the vehicle had an accident, if it broke down, if the driver is exceeding speed limits, or if he is deviating from  a preregistered route, among others.

All this tracking assistance may also be very useful for administering company fleets, reducing costs and making their administration more efficient. For example: AI can analyze large amounts of data from fleet vehicles to predict and prevent potential maintenance issues. By monitoring various parameters, such as engine performance and wear and tear, AI algorithms can optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and costs.

The overall use of these various aids directs us into the great impact of autonomous vehicles. Self-driving cars can offer increased mobility options, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance road safety. AI is powering the development of autonomous vehicles, which have the potential to transform transportation as we know it. Self-driving cars use AI algorithms to navigate, sense their surroundings, and make real-time decisions, improving safety, reducing accidents, and enhancing efficiency. Are we ready? Is our Mexican driving culture mature enough to combine traditionally driven vehicles with autonomous vehicles? Are Mexican streets and highways well designed for machines to understand how to drive on them?

Mexico is making some progress in preparing its streets and highways for autonomous driving. The government has shown little interest in adopting and implementing this technology to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, so there are still some challenges to overcome. Infrastructure upgrades include the installation of smart traffic lights and sensors to support autonomous vehicles.

AI is poised to have a significant impact on the automotive industry worldwide, transforming the way vehicles are driven, manufactured, and maintained. Its potential to improve safety, efficiency, and the overall driving experience makes it a game-changer in the automotive sector. The Mexican automotive market has the opportunity to leverage AI in various aspects, ranging from manufacturing to driving experiences. By embracing these technologies, the Mexican automotive industry can stay competitive, enhance safety, and contribute to the advancement of the global automotive sector. Additionally, regulations and legislation need to be developed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of autonomous vehicles on Mexican roads. Overall, Mexico is on its way to becoming ready for autonomous driving, but more work needs to be done to fully embrace this technology.