Hello From Valeo: July Edition

Though AI helped identify the pedestrians in our opening video, we're happy to announce that ChatGPT did not work on this newsletter. At all. For anything. Pinkie swear. 

But now, dear readers, you must be asking yourselves where and how we DO use AI. Which is why we’ve decided to tell you all about it this month! 

What have we been working on?

As you can imagine, the future of the software defined vehicle will increasingly be based on artificial intelligence. And this is top of mind for us. AI will enable us to leverage the full potential of data captured by the sensors we build for your future cars. In this regard, we have been able to capitalize on our 20 years of experience in embedded AI and on Valeo.ai, our advanced research lab specializing in AI for automotive applications. AI is increasingly embedded in our technologies, particularly in our perception systems.

Our latest work in this field enables us to move from the most accurate multi-sensor perception to trajectory prediction, for even greater protection of vulnerable road users. This is what we call Valeo4Cast!

Of course, as a tech company, we are rolling out large-scale AI deployment in our R&D to move faster and further in innovation, and reduce our development times. 

Through a partnership with Google Cloud, we have also equipped and trained 5,000 software engineers in coding assistance tools. They are already using them in their daily work, which is helping to increase the speed and volume of code lines created.

We’ve been busy!

But at Valeo, the use of AI now extends far beyond just our products. This has resulted in better predictive maintenance with up to 20% fewer breakdowns. Quality control automation powered by AI is up as well, with up to 10X less mistakes and quality improvement is up, with 40% fewer rejected parts. Not to mention energy savings:  Up to 20%  on certain production lines.

What are we most excited about?

As part of our partnership with Google Cloud, we intend to deploy Google Gemini AI across our company! 😁 It reinforces our commitment to the AI revolution in every sphere of our activities, whether it’s in our factories or in our offices. 

What's new in the automotive industry?

AI again! From supply chain management to in-car experiences, AI is being used across the board in our industry, and we’re excited! Volkswagen Group, for example, has developed an AI Lab as an incubator to identify AI product ideas and streamline collaboration with technology companies. Stellantis has developed the STLA AutoDrive, which supports assisted driving capabilities and AI personalises in-car settings, learns driver preferences and optimises energy consumption. These are just examples since we are only at the beginning of the AI revolution: we’re going to see so much more happening. Stay tuned!

Cool factoid of the day: 

The Idea of Driverless Cars Dates Back to the 1930s! The original idea of driverless cars was introduced by General Motors in a 1939 exhibit and made a reality in 1958.

A 1958 Chevrolet like this one was probably the first self-driving car. The experiment was carried out on a specially prepared new intersection on the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska. Two of these Chevrolet passenger cars were equipped with special RCA (radio Corporation of America) radio receivers and audible and visual warning devices that could activate the steering mechanism, acceleration and braking. A series of lights along the edge of the road determined the place and speed of the vehicles on the pavement and transmitted radio impulses to guide the cars. It was proven that the system worked well!

The number of the day: 40%

Over 40% of our production sites already integrate AI and data science for smarter manufacturing. Isn’t that just neat?!

That’s all for now. Happy holidays to you all!