Nissan executives have reportedly confirmed that artificial intelligence was used to design the company's 2025 Nissan Qashqai as well as improve production in terms of machinery maintenance and identify errors.

Speaking to the media at Nissan's Sunderland, UK, facility, European Vice President of Design Matthew Weaver explained that AI was used in the design of the new Qashqai's front grille because of the intricate patterning in the structure and the need for aerodynamics and cooling.

Mr. Weaver made light of the seemingly endless trend of producing bigger and bigger grills, noting that Nissan's "V motion grille" on the latest Qashqai is now wider and features a pattern resembling that of its predecessor.

The advantages of AI in the grille design process allow for numerous iterations that balance aesthetic appeal with the car's cooling and aerodynamic needs.

Read Also: Mississippi's EV Shift on Hold: Nissan Delays Plans as Demand Wanes 

AI-Assisted Automaking

Regarding the application of AI in production, Friederike Kienitz, a senior Nissan executive, stated that machine learning in the company's new plants enables more precise forecasting of when robot maintenance is needed or when trends of production errors are identified. 

With machine learning and robots now developing to the point where they can identify and correct patterns of manufacturing problems without human interaction, Nissan is not alone in utilizing AI throughout its manufacturing and design process.

The senior team at Nissan declined to comment on whether the growing use of automation and artificial intelligence will ultimately result in a reduction in the number of workers; they only said that, for example, the Sunderland factory's current headcount of roughly 6000 employees is probably going to stay that way despite projections for production growth.

AI-Powered Cars

While Nissan demonstrates how artificial intelligence is being used in the creation process, Honda and IBM recently inked a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the long-term research and development of next-generation computing technology, which includes processors and software for future cars.

Previous reports state that the companies anticipate a significant acceleration of the use of AI in vehicles in 2030 and beyond. They also see opportunities for developing software-defined vehicles (SDV), driven by software "rather than enhanced by it" as automakers vie for developing autonomous driving technology.

SDV functionality can be updated remotely, just like smartphone software. Both companies anticipate a growth in SDV demand. Their work lowers power consumption and increases chip processing capabilities.

Japanese company Honda committed a record 1.19 trillion yen ($7.7 billion) to research and development for the fiscal year that ends in March, a 23% increase over the previous year. 

According to comments made by Honda President Toshihiro Mibe at a press conference, SDVs and electric automobiles are research priorities. The business will concentrate more on development for electrification and software intelligence.

According to a Honda insider, one manufacturer cannot create and improve complicated software technology alone, which is why agreements like the one with the US IT major IBM are crucial.

Related Article: Hyundai Doubles Down on EV Commitment, Cites the Need to Distinguish Itself From Competitors 

(Photo: Tech Times)