Volkswagen’s New AI Company: Innovating Prototype Vehicle Tech

The Volkswagen Group has recently introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) company called “AI Lab.” The main goal of this company, as stated in a press release by Volkswagen, is to build partnerships with the tech industry and develop digital prototypes for their vehicles. Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen-Porsche, explains that the aim is to connect cars to external systems, providing customers with added value through AI. Collaboration with technology companies is crucial for Volkswagen, as they believe that simplifying cooperation in organizational and cultural terms will lead to better product experiences in the future.

Over the past few years, both the tech and motor vehicle industries have been focused on solving challenges related to autonomous driving and driver assistance. The full realization of fully autonomous vehicles has not yet been achieved. Many experts believe that the challenge of autonomy could be overcome by connecting vehicles to external infrastructure. This would involve equipping vehicles with the necessary hardware and AI software to connect with traffic signals, roads, and other vehicles. Networking vehicles together while on the same roads could enable collision avoidance and shared sensing. Volkswagen’s AI Lab will focus on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, infotainment, predictive maintenance, and advanced charging technologies.

Michael Steiner, Volkswagen’s head of research and development, mentioned that AI Lab will have the autonomy to make its own deals with tech companies without being tied to existing partnerships or production links. This indicates that the main focus of the new company will be on rapid prototyping and bringing AI solutions into production faster. In fact, the press release states that discussions are already underway with potential partners regarding the first products developed by AI Lab.

Volkswagen’s new AI Lab aims to form partnerships with the tech industry and create digital prototypes for their vehicles. The company plans to connect cars to external systems, providing customers with added value through AI. The challenge of autonomy in the motor vehicle industry may require connection to external infrastructure, such as traffic signals and other vehicles. Volkswagen’s AI Lab will focus on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, infotainment, predictive maintenance, and advanced charging technologies. The company will have the autonomy to make its own deals with tech companies, focusing on rapid prototyping and faster production of AI solutions. Discussions are already underway with potential partners regarding the development of the first products by AI Lab.