Siemens Unveils AI’s Role in Shaping Future Vehicle Design

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a transformative impact on the automotive design process, reducing development cost, times and enhancing product performance. Alejandro Canela, Vice  President and Country Manager for Mexico and Central America, Siemens, explained how the AI-driven tools are reshaping the industry. 

Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, is enabling groundbreaking advancements in vehicle design. Unlike traditional AI applications, such as image recognition, generative AI models are trained to understand technical languages specific to the automotive industry, including mechanics and material science. “This allows us to design components and systems more efficiently while ensuring high performance,” Canela said.

One prominent application is in the development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Using simulation-based tools, Siemens optimizes battery design to maximize energy output and durability. “These tools allow us to evaluate multiple design possibilities in a fraction of the time, selecting the best options to meet stringent performance criteria,” he explained.

AI’s ability to quickly analyze constraints and produce viable solutions was illustrated through a recent Siemens project involving motor reflow issues. The AI-generated multiple design alternatives in a single day, selecting the optimal configuration based on specific requirements. "This level of speed and accuracy was unattainable with traditional methods," Canela noted.

Generative AI also plays a critical role in preparing autonomous vehicles for real-world use. Siemens employs advanced simulations to train vehicles in virtual city environments, exposing them to diverse driving conditions. “This approach not only reduces development time but also enhances safety by addressing potential challenges before deployment,” Canela said.

Siemens’ generative AI tools allow automakers to create digital prototypes, reducing the need for costly physical testing. Canela described this as a fundamental shift in the design process, moving from trial-and-error methods to data-driven decision-making. “The ability to simulate and refine designs virtually ensures higher accuracy and faster time-to-market,” he said.

Additionally, the no-code development capabilities of Siemens’ Mendix platform enable engineers to create custom applications to support design processes without programming knowledge.

Canela stressed the urgency of integrating AI into vehicle design processes to maintain competitiveness. “The competition is already leveraging these technologies,” he warned, adding that automakers who delay adoption risk falling behind in an industry increasingly defined by speed and innovation.

To ensure responsible adoption, he highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property and following industry best practices. At the same time, he encouraged automakers to focus on developing competitive products, emphasizing that efficiency in the design process is meaningless without high-quality results.

“AI is no longer optional in vehicle design. It’s a necessity for those who want to lead the market,” concluded Canela in his presentation during the Business Automotive Meeting (BAM) 2024.