“We want to use artificial intelligence to deliver real added value to our customers. We aim to link external digital ecosystems with vehicles to create even better product experiences.” said Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG. “Collaboration with technology companies is very important to us. In the future, we intend to simplify cooperation from an organizational and cultural perspective.”
Volkswagen aims to bring AI products to vehicles and vehicle environments
The Volkswagen Group is committed to continuously integrating new digital products and artificial intelligence into its vehicles, offering customers added value beyond the vehicle.
Volkswagen sees, among other things, great potential in high-performance voice recognition and services that connect the vehicle with the user's own digital environment. Enhanced vehicle functionality will be equally important. This includes AI-optimized electric vehicle charging cycles, predictive maintenance, and networking of vehicles with infrastructure such as customers' homes (“smart homes”).
AI lab to identify product ideas and quickly create prototypes
The AI Lab will not manufacture mass-produced models, but will function as an incubator for the Volkswagen Group. The company identifies new product ideas related to artificial intelligence around the world. AI Lab works with partners as needed to develop highly promising concepts and create early prototypes. AI Lab has a team of artificial intelligence experts and works closely with all brands. Senior representatives of the brand group constitute the Supervisory Board.
AI Lab's lean and strong organization and the brand group's direct involvement in the supervisory board enable communication between equal partners in the dynamic AI sector, speeding up processes and increasing the number of connections between the automotive industry and technology companies. Collaboration is simplified.
“With our new AI Lab, we are collaborating with external partners to combine technical expertise, flexibility and speed, which is extremely important in the highly dynamic field of AI.” says Michael Steiner, Head of Research and Development at the Group and Member of the Board of Directors for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “We will continue to pursue highly promising initiatives in the market, working with partners as appropriate, regardless of existing arrangements or other connections in volume production.”
Exploratory negotiations regarding the first products are already underway with international technology companies.
Renowned team managing new AI lab
AI Lab's management committee will include Carsten Helbing as CEO and Carmen Schmidt as CLO and CBO. Recognized artificial intelligence experts will be responsible for technical management functions. The Supervisory Board is comprised of members of the management boards of the Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche brands.
