Volkswagen launched a new AI company to develop vehicle technology
Volkswagen Group recently launched a new artificial intelligence company called AI Lab.
According to a press release from Volkswagen, the new company will focus on creating partnerships with the big tech industry and creating digital prototypes for the vehicles.
As Volkswagen-Porsche CEO Oliver Blume explained, the new company's ambitions include connecting cars to external systems:
“We want to provide real added value to our customers through artificial intelligence. Our goal is to connect external digital ecosystems with the vehicle by creating a better product experience. Cooperation with technology companies is very important to us. We intend to facilitate cooperation in organizational and cultural matters in the future.
This may indicate a shift towards marrying current driver support software with external infrastructure.
External digital ecosystems
The technology and automotive industries have spent the last half-decade trying to solve the tough challenges associated with autonomous driving and driver assistance. However, the emergence of a fully autonomous (self-driving) car has yet to materialize.
Many experts believe that the challenge of autonomy may require connecting to external infrastructure. This could come from equipping vehicles with hardware and AI software to interact with traffic signals, roads and other vehicles.
Related: Microsoft's tech stack up 18% after ‘introducing AI'
Further advances could include networking vehicles together when traveling on the same road to avoid collisions and enable mutual awareness.
Volkswagen says the new AI Lab will focus on vehicle-to-vehicle communication as well as data management, predictive maintenance and advanced charging technologies.
✨ World Premiere: We are starting our own company for #Artificial Intelligence! #Goals for new “AI Lab”: Identify new digital products #Ideas Competence Center and #Incubator with international connections #Collaborate with technology partners in Europe, China and North America Photo .twitter .com/0LOQLDu6Bq
— Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) January 31, 2024
Internal artificial intelligence
Michael Steiner, Volkswagen's head of research and development, said the AI Lab would be empowered to make its own deals with tech companies “regardless of existing arrangements and other continuous product links”. This suggests that the new company's focus will be on rapid prototyping and, apparently, bringing AI solutions to production quickly.
The press release said that “explanatory talks” related to the company's first products are underway with potential partners.
