Automakers deploy AI for vehicle diagnostics and animal detection

Automotive manufacturers are integrating advanced artificial intelligence to enhance vehicle interaction and safety. Ford is rolling out an AI assistant to approximately eight million Ford and Lincoln owners via their existing mobile applications. This chatbot is designed to recognize specific vehicle models and provide real-time data regarding fuel levels, maintenance needs, and towing capacities. The system utilizes natural language processing and image recognition, allowing users to upload photos to receive information without consulting a manual.

In a separate development regarding safety technology, BYD has introduced an AI-driven system designed to detect animals beneath a vehicle before it starts. The technology compares images from the vehicle's undercarriage to identify shadows or movements, alerting the driver to prevent accidents. This addresses a known limitation in many current emergency braking systems, which often prioritize pedestrians and other vehicles over animals. Previous testing by CarWow highlighted that certain models, including the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo V90, have struggled to detect animal-shaped obstacles in specific scenarios.