Auto mechanic in his pocket: Skoda taught smartphones “by ear” to identify problems in the car using AI
The aftermarket department of the automaker Skoda Auto and Skoda Auto DigiLab are testing a new smartphone app – Sound Analyzer. The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly and accurately determine the need for any service through sound analysis.
The software records the noises made by the respective vehicle while driving and compares them with stored samples. In case of any discrepancies, the application uses an algorithm to determine their nature and how to fix the problems. According to the company, Sound Analyzer helps to improve the efficiency of vehicle maintenance, reduce the time the car is in the garage, and increase customer satisfaction.
The Sound Analyzer app uses AI to reliably, clearly, and quickly assess the current condition of wearing parts and notify technicians of any service needed. For this, the program examines various vehicle-specific parameters and analyzes the usage profile of the respective vehicle. Sound Analyzer allows technicians to simplify the task of accurately diagnosing a vehicle by using the application only requires a regular smartphone or tablet.
According to the company, the software is already capable of recognizing ten problem patterns with more than 90% accuracy, including for components such as the steering system, air conditioning compressor, clutch in a robotic DSG gearbox. The app can also recognize other sound patterns.
