THE Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are some of the few technologies set to transform the Scottish automotive sector. Scotland’s longstanding tradition of tech innovation is growing more than ever, making it one of the best places for digital transformation in automotive.
As the industry embraces a more sustainable and green future, how we use cars will also change dramatically, partly driven by the continued rise of electric vehicles (EVs). But beyond the EVs, Scotland’s automotive industry is making further progress on management, development, and rolling out of Automated Vehicles (AV).
Below, check out the latest technology trends in the Scottish automotive industry.
- Autonomous Vehicles
The introduction of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) is poised to deliver annual economic benefits to Scotland’s Automotive Industry. Automotive vehicles, more commonly known as AVs, are self-driven vehicles designed to transport goods and passengers on roads. Powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors, these vehicles play a crucial role in the Automotive Industry, providing individuals and businesses a more convenient and efficient means of transportation.
The main components of Autonomous Vehicles are the engine, suspension, transmission, steering system, brakes, and several other electronic systems. Depending on the AV’s purpose and type, it can come in various forms. Like regular vehicles, AVs are available as SUVs, sedans, motorcycles, vans, trucks, and more.
Autonomous vehicles can significantly impact the Scottish Automotive Industry in many ways, the most crucial of which is safety improvements. AVs can lessen road accidents caused by human error. These vehicles have advanced sensors and computing systems that enhance safety by regularly monitoring the surroundings and making split-second decisions to avoid accidents.
Another way Autonomous Vehicles can affect the Scottish Automotive Industry is through employment. The widespread adoption of AVs can negatively impact jobs for taxi and truck drivers. However, several new job opportunities could emerge in the industry’s adoption of Autonomous Vehicles.
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a transformative impact on the Scottish Automotive Industry by influencing various aspects of vehicle design and manufacturing, especially safety. The other aspects of the industry that AI directly impacts include supply chain optimisation, vehicle customisation, emission reduction, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, data analytics and insights.
Some automotive companies use AI to optimise supply chain processes in automotive manufacturing. Machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics allow for streamlining production planning, logistics, inventory management, etc. Meanwhile, AI algorithms help analyse user preferences and driving behaviour for customisation, from customised infotainment settings to driving characteristics tailored to the driver. AI algorithms can also predict energy demands to optimise fuel and electric usage, leading to reduced emissions.
As vehicles are now more connected, AI can be crucial for cybersecurity. Machine learning algorithms can detect cyber threats, responding to them in real-time to protect vehicles and their systems from unauthorised access.
One of the most significant contributions of AI to the Automotive Industry is through data analytics and insights. AI can process vast amounts of data generated by vehicle and their components. Its data analytics capability offers valuable insights for manufacturers to understand user behaviour.
- Electric Vehicles
The Scottish Automotive Industry’s adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has profoundly impacted the industry in various ways. One of these is through job creation and skills shift. The growth of EVs has led to job creation. In fact, there is now an increasing demand for automotive jobs in software engineering as the trends are causing the industry to move faster.
The other ways Electric Vehicles (EVs) have influenced the industry are through environmental sustainability, advancement in battery technology, and changing the infrastructure development. EVs produce lower emissions than traditional engine vehicles. As the electric grid becomes cleaner, EVs’ overall environmental impact has also decreased.
EVs have caused significant advancements in battery technology through improved charging speed, energy density, and cost reduction. In addition, the growth of EVs has prompted the expansion of charging infrastructure, with many businesses, governments, and utility companies investing in developing charging stations, making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles.
- Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is among those technologies that have disrupted several industries, including the Automotive Industry. It has led to significant advancements in the Scottish Automotive Industry, including improved vehicle safety, connectivity, energy efficiency, and overall user experience.
IoT authorises the integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which allows vehicles to communicate with each other, leading to improved safety through features like emergency braking and collision avoidance.
Another way IoT benefits the automotive industry is through infotainment and connectivity. It improves in-car infotainment systems through seamless connectivity with smartphones and smartwatches, resulting in features like music streaming and hands-free calling.
IoT technologies contribute to energy efficiency among electric vehicles by optimizing the charging patterns and managing energy usage. In addition, it supports sustainability efforts by integrating smart transportation solutions to minimise congestion and emissions.
- 3D Printing
Also called additive manufacturing, 3D Printing offers numerous benefits to the automotive industry. It’s used for prototyping and design iteration, allowing car designers and manufacturers to develop physical models for automotive components. This results in more efficient design iterations. It also allows the testing of different components before mass production.
Scottish automotive companies can also rely on 3D Printing to produce customised or personalised vehicle components, including interior features like trims and dashboard elements. It also allows for greater flexibility in meeting customers’ needs and preferences.
Another way the automotive industry can benefit from 3D Printing is by streamlining the supply chain. It reduces the need for extensive warehousing of spare parts since manufacturers can produce components on demand, reducing the cost of inventory and minimising obsolete parts.
Thanks to 3D Printing, automotive manufacturers can reduce waste materials. Traditional manufacturing methods use subtractive processes that generate a significant amount of waste. However, 3D Printing is an additive process that uses materials more efficiently, reducing waste and helping automotive companies achieve their sustainability goals.
