How Has Integration of AI and Automation Transformed the Test Lanes Industry?
How Has Integration of AI and Automation Transformed the Test Lanes Industry?
Test lanes are specialized industrial facilities wherein automobile prototypes are tested and inspected to ensure their compliance with various emission and safety standards. Moreover, test lanes are developed with the aim of helping inspectors check whether a vehicle fulfills all the necessary roadworthiness requirements. Once certified by these supervisors, the company officially launches the product in the market for sale. Thus, test lanes form an important component in the automobile manufacturing sector.
Over the years, rise in awareness regarding environmental sustainability has played an important role in the test lanes industry. With the signing of the Paris Climate Accords in 2015, many governments have enacted legislation and laws, which make it mandatory for automakers to develop cars that adhere to certain emission standards. Furthermore, many governmental agencies have established strict protocols regarding the release of greenhouse gases, thereby compelling companies to test the performance of the vehicle before making it available to the public.
Use of AI and Automation Systems in Test Lanes Creating New Investment Opportunities
Recently, Allied Market Research published a report on the test lanes market, which states that the industry is expected to gather a revenue of $3.7 billion by 2032. The sector accounted for $2.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.6% during 2023-2032. The growing use of advanced digital solutions is predicted to drive the growth of the market in the coming period. Many automobile companies, in recent times, have started deploying automation systems to execute certain preliminary tests without any human intervention.
Also, many test lane facilities have started using AI tools to evaluate a car’s ergonomics and comfort. These tools autonomously check the structure of vehicle seats, cabin layout, and the overall architecture of the automobile to ascertain its robustness and resilience. The vehicle’s sightlines and the visibility from the driver’s seat are also checked as part of this inspection. Various studies have shown that the time required for executing these tests is almost halved with the use of automation technologies.
Several test lanes are planning to use AI tools and machine learning algorithms not just for testing purposes but for result analysis and defect reporting also. Though the development of such highly advanced AI programs is still in the early stages, experts have stated that these tools are likely to revolutionize the test lane industry completely in the near future. Once designed, the role of humans in automobile testing is expected to reduce significantly.
Heavy Investments in R&D Activities Boosting the Industry’s Revenue Share
Rise in use of virtual testing facilities and simulation techniques has generated numerous opportunities for the test lanes industry. Several software companies have made huge investments in R&D activities to design advanced algorithms and application programs for automating inspection procedures. Certain leading businesses have even launched their products, thus helping them expand their operations globally.
For instance, in July 2024, VI-grade SRL, a professional driving simulation solutions developer, announced the launch of VI-grade Virtual Proving Ground for VI-WorldSim. Designed specifically to aid automobile manufacturers in chassis development and ADAS testing, this 8.6 km track has been created for aerodynamic evaluation. Furthermore, the virtual facility also features a 3.2 km handling track, a 2.4 km country road, and a 1.15 km rally track to test the vehicle on diverse road conditions. As per several industry experts, this product launch is anticipated to strengthen the position of the company in the industry in the coming period.
To conclude, the growth of the test lanes industry is attributed to rise in use of artificial intelligence and automation solutions in vehicle inspection and testing activities. The enactment of various regulations and norms by governments across the globe to curb carbon emissions from automobiles has also played a major role in the growth of the sector.
✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar