4 Technologies Revolutionising Automotive Design

Automotive design is the intricate process of creating the appearance, functionality, and overall aesthetic of automobiles. It encompasses various elements, including exterior body design, interior layout, ergonomics, safety features, and the integration of technology. Designers collaborate to shape vehicles that not only captivate with their visual appeal but also prioritise efficiency, aerodynamics, and user experience. Balancing artistic vision with engineering practicality, automotive design plays a vital role in shaping the identity and success of vehicles. It reflects cultural trends, technological advancements, and consumer preferences. 

Transformative Technologies in Car Design 

Automotive design has come a long way since the first automobile was invented in the late 19th century. A Deloitte study shows that the design of cars has evolved from being purely functional to being more aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic. This has been owing to new age technologies that have made the industry more savvy and efficient. 

Let’s look at what these technologies are; 

CAD Software (Computer-Aided Design): CAD has revolutionised design by enabling precise and intricate modeling, allowing designers to create detailed 2D and 3D representations of vehicles. It streamlines the design process, facilitates easy modifications, and ensures accuracy in measurements and proportions.  

For example, the German automotive manufacturer, Audi, had developed a concept car – the Audi RSQ e-tron 1 – for the animation movie, Spies in Disguise. The car came with a futuristic aesthetic, sharp angles and intricate details. All this was possible because the designers developed a foundation using manual sketches and digital drawings, which they then transformed into rendered images. They leveraged CAD software to achieve a level of intricacy and detail beyond the capabilities of manual methods. 

AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality): These technologies have revolutionised the way designers visualise and interact with their creations. VR allows for immersive experiences, enabling designers to virtually walk around and inside the vehicles, assessing their design and functionality before physical prototypes are built. AR complements this by overlaying digital information onto the physical world, aiding in design reviews and presentations. 

A report by Statista indicates that the global spending on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) in the automotive industry was USD 213 million in 2017. And, this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. By 2025, the global automotive AR and VR market is forecast to reach about 673 billion U.S. dollars with a CAGR of 175.7 percent from 2018 to 2025. This growth is attributed to the technological advancements in connectivity. 

3D Printing: In a 2021 report, Statista stated that additive manufacturing and 3D printing could be counted among the most disruptive technologies of our age and was predicted to be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution.  

Additive manufacturing has no doubt significantly reduced prototyping time and costs. It allows for the creation of physical prototypes and parts directly from digital designs, enabling designers to quickly test concepts, assess ergonomics, and refine designs before moving to full-scale production. 

Having said that, this technology is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle is material limitations and the need for diverse materials that match the durability and performance requirements of automotive parts. Innovations are underway to expand the range of materials compatible with 3D printing to meet these rigorous standards. Moreover, scaling up production while maintaining cost-effectiveness remains another challenge. To overcome this, advancements in printing speed and efficiency, alongside optimisations in post-processing techniques, are crucial areas of focus. Additionally, ensuring that 3D-printed components comply with regulatory standards and safety measures is an ongoing consideration to ensure the reliability and safety of vehicles. 

AI (Artificial Intelligence): AI is transforming automotive design by aiding in generative design, where algorithms analyse vast amounts of data to suggest design alternatives based on specified parameters. This not only speeds up the design process but also presents innovative design possibilities that might not have been immediately apparent. 

Various reports predict that the automotive AI market will touch USD 8.89 billion by 2025. It is also estimated that by 2024, self-drivng vehicles controlled by AI are expected to represent 10% of global auto sales. 

For example, AI-driven generative design tools, like those developed by companies such as Autodesk and Siemens, analyse parameters such as aerodynamics, material properties, structural integrity, and manufacturing constraints. These tools then generate numerous design alternatives that meet specified criteria. For instance, a car’s lightweight, yet sturdy, components, like brackets or supports, can be created by AI-generated designs that optimise material usage while ensuring strength. 

A Merit expert says, “AI is also enabling a shift toward greater customisation in automotive design. Companies like Nvidia and others are exploring AI-powered interfaces that allow customers to interactively design elements of their vehicles, such as interior layouts, color schemes, or even unique parts, catering to individual preferences.” 

The Future of Automotive Design: Innovations and Prospects 

The evolution of automotive design propelled by cutting-edge technologies like CAD software, AR/VR, 3D printing, and AI has unveiled new possibilities, reshaping how vehicles are conceived and crafted. These advancements not only streamline the design process but also usher in an era of personalised and efficient manufacturing. As these technologies mature, their convergence is poised to revolutionise the automotive industry, fostering greater creativity, customisation, and sustainability. 

Merit’s Expertise in Data Aggregation & Harvesting for the Global Automotive Sector 

Merit Data and Technology excels in aggregating and harvesting automotive data using AI, ML, and human expertise. Our capabilities include: 

• Crafting end-to-end data pipelines and scalable data warehouses 
• Designing compliant governance solutions for seamless integration 
• Utilising high-volume, high-velocity data tools for nuanced insights 
• Extracting retail product attributes and audience data 
• Aggregating industry-specific data points for informed decision-making 

Trusted by leading automotive brands, Merit drives innovation and efficiency by delivering refined, actionable insights.

Key Takeaways 

1. Evolution of Automotive Design: From functional to aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic, automotive design has evolved, owing to technologies like CAD, AR/VR, 3D printing, and AI. 

2. Impactful Technologies: CAD enables precise modeling, while AR/VR revolutionises visualisation. 3D printing reduces prototyping time and costs, although material limitations and scalability remain challenges. 

3. AI’s Influence: Artificial Intelligence aids generative design, offering innovative alternatives and customisability in vehicle design. The automotive AI market is expected to reach USD 8.89 billion by 2025, with AI-driven design tools evolving rapidly. 

4. Future Prospects: These technologies, when converged, are reshaping automotive design, leading to efficient manufacturing, greater creativity, customisation, and sustainability in the industry. The global automotive AR and VR market is forecasted to reach about 673 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.