Nissan Motor Company has extended its partnership with UK-based software firm Monolith to use artificial intelligence in reducing vehicle testing times, as the Japanese automaker seeks to accelerate new car development and catch up with faster-moving Chinese competitors.
The collaboration follows the successful application of Monoliths AI technology in optimizing the physical testing process for the new electric Nissan Leaf. The AI models helped cut the time spent tightening chassis bolts from six months to five, a method Nissan plans to apply to other vehicle components in upcoming models.
Emma Deutsch, director for customer-oriented engineering and test operations at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe, said the company is very aware of the Chinese development time and needs to bring vehicles to market faster. While Chinese automakers can develop new models in as little as 18 months, traditional carmakers like Nissan typically require around five years.
