The AI Revolution in Automotive Engineering – Volvo Cars
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Among these innovations, AI has emerged as a key enabler of efficiency and collaboration in simulation processes, offering the potential to revolutionize product development.
Torbjörn Virdung, technical leader for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) team at Volvo Cars, provides valuable insight into how AI is reshaping enterprise culture and engineering workflows. Drawing from Volvo’s experience, we explore the transformative impact of AI on simulation practices, change management, and cross-functional collaboration.
Early Exploration of AI at Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars began its journey into AI and simulation technology in 2019, well before the technology became a widespread industry buzzword. The primary driver was to address long simulation times and the complexities of evaluating multiple design concepts.
“Time costs money,” explains Virdung, emphasizing the critical need for efficiency in the early stages of automotive design. With increasingly complex geometries and lengthy computational requirements, Volvo recognized AI’s potential to accelerate the evaluation process, enabling engineers to focus on the most promising concepts early on.
For example, evaluating five car designs using traditional high-fidelity simulations could take days and require extensive computational resources. With AI, preliminary assessments can be performed much faster, allowing teams to eliminate less feasible options and prioritize the most viable ones.
Gaining Internal Buy-In for AI Adoption
Securing internal buy-in was a pivotal step in Volvo’s AI journey. The company’s openness to innovation – a hallmark of its culture – played a crucial role.
We’re a relatively small car company compared to the global giants. To survive, we must embrace new technologies and ways of working.
The journey began with a focused business case targeting aerodynamics, an area where simulation times were especially long. By demonstrating the tangible benefits AI could offer, Volvo’s leadership approved a pilot project to evaluate the technology. This included a year-long collaboration with leading AI vendors to explore its potential.
While initial skepticism existed among some stakeholders, the results of the pilot project helped win over even the most cautious engineers. Starting small and focusing on a single application proved effective in demonstrating AI’s potential without overwhelming the organization.
The Role of AI in Modernizing Simulation Practices
As the automotive industry grapples with increasing pressures to reduce time-to-market and cut development costs, AI has emerged as a powerful enabler. At Volvo, AI is not viewed as a replacement for traditional simulations but as a complementary tool.
“We see AI as a means to evaluate concepts faster,” explains Virdung. “For example, if we’re assessing the aerodynamic performance of a new taillight design, AI can quickly eliminate unfeasible options, allowing us to concentrate on the most promising solutions.”
This efficiency extends beyond aerodynamics. While the current focus is on one domain, Volvo envisions applying AI to other areas, such as durability and climate system simulations. In the long term, the integration of AI into the development process could significantly reshape how teams work, enabling more collaboration between design and engineering teams.
Bridging Departments with the Digital Thread
One of the most intriguing outcomes of Volvo’s AI adoption has been its potential to strengthen the “digital thread”- the seamless flow of data across different departments. For instance, designers using Blender can now receive immediate feedback on how changes in geometry impact aerodynamics, fostering more iterative and collaborative workflows.
“Designers can morph geometry in real time and instantly see its aerodynamic implications,” says Virdung. This integration not only saves time but also helps align design and engineering objectives earlier in the process, reducing the risk of costly changes later in development.
The digital thread also has broader implications for enterprise culture. By breaking down silos and promoting cross-functional collaboration, it positions companies like Volvo to leverage technology for greater innovation and efficiency.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Industry Leaders
Volvo’s experience offers valuable insights for leaders considering AI adoption:
- Understand the Technology’s Potential: Engage with suppliers, stay informed about advancements, and identify areas where AI can have the most significant impact on processes.
- Secure Management Support: Demonstrate the potential time and cost savings to gain executive buy-in. Volvo achieved this by presenting a clear business case focused on a high-impact area.
- Invest Time and Resources: AI adoption requires dedicated time and resources to evaluate potential applications thoroughly. Volvo allocated a full year to its proof of concept and extended the timeline for further evaluation.
- Start Small: Begin with a focused pilot project to demonstrate AI’s capabilities. This approach allows teams to learn and adapt without overwhelming the organization.
- Prepare for Cultural Shifts: AI adoption will likely change existing workflows and require new ways of thinking. Organizations must be open to these changes and invest in training and collaboration to ensure success.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Automotive Simulation
While AI’s adoption in automotive simulation is still in its early stages, its potential is undeniable. Virdung predicts that within a decade, AI will significantly change how teams work, enabling faster, more informed decision-making across the development lifecycle.
“In the short term, AI is a complement,” he explains. “But as surrogate models improve, they will allow us to predict smaller changes with greater accuracy, fundamentally transforming the way we approach design and engineering.”
This transformation isn’t limited to automotive engineering. The lessons Volvo is learning have implications for industries ranging from aerospace to manufacturing, where efficiency and innovation are equally critical.
Volvo’s journey into AI-powered simulation leadership serves as an inspiring example of how companies can embrace change to stay competitive. By focusing on collaboration, efficiency, and cultural adaptation, the company is paving the way for a future where AI and simulation work hand in hand to drive innovation.
“AI is a technology we can’t afford to neglect,” Virdung concludes. “It’s not just about saving time and money – it’s about building better products and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”
For industry leaders, the message is clear: the time to explore AI’s potential is now. With careful planning and a commitment to collaboration, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
This blog is based on a recent podcast in our Simulation Leadership series.
