Volkswagen uses AI and 3D printing to disrupt the manufacturing of automotive components

By combining artificial intelligence with state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, Volkswagen is expected to disrupt the way automotive components are manufactured. The new technology currently being tested not only effectively reduces the weight of the car, but also provides great flexibility in designing special parts for future models. Part of the Volkswagen Group, recently renamed the California Innovation and Engineering Center (IECC) yesterday to reinterpret the 1962 Microbus with electrical modernization.

In addition, in this exhibition, the Volkswagen Type 20 concept car attracted the attention of many media. Its core elements are 3D printed orange wheels, side mirror brackets, steering wheels and other components. And these products are not designed by humans, but by artificial intelligence in the Generative Design process.

The advantage of artificial intelligence is the ability to quickly understand what engineers prioritize in the design process—strength strength, ease of production, and lightweight design—and can be met by iterative upgrades. This is not just about using existing parts and engraving the metal to create a hole design. Rather, the mechanics are taken into account, so it is necessary to design the core structure of these parts.

So the final design is different from our expectations for modern engineering. Without simple lines and block structures, artificial intelligence “training” alternatives are more like mixing vines or roots. Although it seems fragile, the test results show that the rear view mirror bracket designed by artificial intelligence is basically the same as the traditional bracket, but the artificial intelligence uses much less material.

However, AI design is not the only way for Volkswagen Group to use this technology. Even picking potential candidates to replace 3D printing or alternatives is a daunting task: after all, modern vehicles are made up of thousands of components. Determining which ones are most effective, if replaced is not feasible for humans - therefore, Volkswagen has been training artificial intelligence to mark possibilities.

At the same time, the IECC team is also looking for new ways to produce these components. In the Type 20 concept, the generated design components are made of conventional materials such as metal. However, the Volkswagen Group is also looking for so-called additive manufacturing, where production-ready 3D printed items can replace injection molded or milled parts.

The IECC team stated that the ultimate goal is to fully connect the cycle: using the recycled plastic in the old components to make new components. In this way, and potentially saving fuel and improving lightweight performance, even if the car is at the end of its useful life, its parts will not be wasted.

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