Mercedes Design Chief Claims AI Could Render Designers Obsolete in a Decade | Carscoops

      Gordon Wagener has suggested that in the next decade, automobiles might be designed by sophisticated computers and software rather than by humans.

      Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer believes that a machine could replace him and be less expensive than his current salary.

      While Mercedes-Benz is not planning to eliminate steering wheels and gear shifters anytime soon, the impact of artificial intelligence is set to transform the automotive sector significantly.

      Wagener indicated at a recent event for the Mercedes-Benz Places apartment complex in Miami that AI could render car designers unnecessary within ten years. This raises concerns for those aspiring to enter a rapidly evolving industry driven by electrification and new technologies.

      Historically, designers have been crucial in differentiating one vehicle from another and providing unique identities to cars. As more vehicles transition to electric powertrains with fewer distinguishing features, the role of designers might become increasingly vital. Despite this, Wagener believes a machine will take his place.

      In an interview with ABC News, he stated, “We currently use AI. The challenge lies in filtering out the useful from the 99% of irrelevant results that AI produces. However, we do find 1% valuable output, and our learning continues to improve daily. AI will significantly alter our design process. In ten years, it’s possible that most design work will be handled by AI, effectively rendering designers obsolete. My successor will indeed be a machine and will cost far less than I do.”

      While AI undoubtedly has the potential to disrupt various sectors, it remains unclear how effectively it can create vehicles that resonate with human desires. Can a machine truly infuse personality into a car as a human designer can? We will have to wait and see as the next decade unfolds.

      During the same interview, Wagener mentioned that Mercedes-Benz plans to keep producing cars with traditional controls for the foreseeable future, highlighting that fully autonomous vehicles remain prohibitively expensive and still feel like “science fiction.”

      When asked if Mercedes would produce a car without a steering wheel or gear shifter, Wagener responded, “Probably eventually, but I don’t expect it in the near future. We will always have a steering wheel… at least for the time being. With rising autonomy, cars are evolving into more of a living space. The future vehicle will not be merely a smartphone on wheels; it will be a ‘smart home’ on wheels.”