Computer Vision and AI for Vehicle Maintenance
Christian Dale
Product Marketing Manager at Anyline
Vehicle maintenance is critical in the prolonging of a car, truck, or other vehicle’s value, safety, and overall function. It is also one of the tasks people don’t always put enough time into. AI and computer vision are aiming to change that.
A growing component of automotive technology, computer vision aids in improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety from a vehicle maintenance standpoint. This cutting-edge technology uses the most advanced image analysis tools and recognition algorithms to transform the way vehicles are inspected and managed from a preventative maintenance format.
Consider some of the applications in which computer vision is being used for in-vehicle maintenance to see the breadth of its use alongside AI.
Tire Health Monitoring
Technicians can use computer vision to analyze the condition of any car’s tire. That includes looking for wear pattern concerns, tire damage, or inflation levels so that appropriate adjustments can be made. That’s critical for getting optimal performance and safety out of any vehicle.
Predictive Maintenance
The computer vision solutions available now are already helping capture data from vehicles, including the odometer data, for example. This allows the technician to know what type of service the vehicle needs.
This is done using images and videos from various sensors or from cameras. Once in place, these tools can predict the type of maintenance issues a vehicle may need long before that need arises. That helps to minimize the risk of safety hazards and may also minimize the risk of vehicle breakdowns, another common concern.
Damage Assessment and Anomaly Detection
Another viable function of computer vision coupled with AI is analyzing vehicle images and then using that information to assess damages. This can then help speed up the evaluation of repair needs after a car accident, for example. With the use of computer vision systems, it is possible to identify anything that’s not normal on the vehicle that could mean a problem needs to be addressed. That could include locating leaks, missing components, parts that are no longer working properly, or even parts that may be loose.
Diagnostic Assistance
These digital tools can also support the needs of mechanics by providing visual diagnostic information. This can help analyze the engine components or identify when parts are ill-fitting or inappropriate. This can speed up the productivity of maintenance tasks as a result.
Fluid Level Monitoring
Computer vision can be used to monitor fluid levels in various parts of the vehicle, such as engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid. This ensures that fluid levels are within the optimal range for proper vehicle operation.
License Plate Recognition
Yet another tool, one which companies like Anyline are applying to fleet management, is the use of computer vision and AI to identify license plates. This helps track vehicles, schedule management, maintenance, tire rotation, and compliance requirements. It can also allow for faster tracking of vehicles moving through various checkpoints.
Augmented Reality (AR) Maintenance Assistance
AR applications powered by computer vision can provide real-time visual guidance to mechanics during the maintenance process. This can include overlaying information on physical components, highlighting areas that need attention, or providing step-by-step repair instructions.
Security Surveillance for Parking Lots and Service Centers
Computer vision-based surveillance systems can enhance security in parking lots and service centers by monitoring activities, detecting unauthorized access, and ensuring the safety of vehicles and personnel.
What the Future Holds Is Still Unknown
Computer vision and AI, including solutions like Anyline, are working to enhance vehicle maintenance and overall vehicle management. These tools provide a better layer of information and guidance to all organizations at all levels. The benefits are numerous, including cost savings, people spending more time doing other, more important tasks, and reducing the risk of human error.
Computer vision, utilized within a fleet, can harness numerous benefits, including extending the lifespan of vehicles, keeping compliance records up to date (and eliminating costly fines along the way), and working to ensure the safety of employees.
The incorporation of computer vision into vehicle maintenance processes creates an opportunity for improving the way vehicles are managed and maintained. It can streamline costs but also allow people to handle other tasks.
