Mercedes' Design Chief Predicts AI Will Take Over His Role in a Decade

      Adobe Stock, Meta AI

      Artificial intelligence may be the fastest evolving technology, and many are already exhausted by it. While it may have its advantages, as someone who writes online for a living, I'm not particularly enthusiastic about it. Over the past year, we've seen it take over jobs from real people, and not in a good way. Just because AI can quickly generate a five-slide listicle about the best Ozempic alternatives for singles over 50 doesn't mean it can actually design a car for a reputable automaker, right?

      Mercedes-Benz Global Design Chief Gorden Wagener thinks AI is not quite there yet, but in an interview with ABC, he stated that it will handle most vehicle design and displace many skilled workers in about 10 years.

      “We’re currently collaborating with AI,” Wagener mentioned. “With AI, you typically get 99% of poor results due to the sheer volume. That’s the main issue—distinguishing the good from the bad. However, there’s that 1% of quality, and we’re consistently improving. It’s advancing every day.

      “AI will significantly alter our design process. I predict that in 10 years, most design work will be performed by AI, rendering traditional designers obsolete. My successor will be a machine and will cost significantly less than my salary [laughs].”

      While I didn’t see him laugh, I interpret that more as a nervous chuckle.

      Here’s Wagener showcasing the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept. Mercedes-Benz

      On a serious note, how is that possible? How can generative AI, which still struggles with simple prompts and produces mangled text, possibly create a vehicle that buyers would want to invest in like a Mercedes? The answer lies in Wagener’s statement about sheer quantity.

      It may not be the most efficient method, but instructing a robot to repeat the process until it finds a successful outcome could be less expensive than employing someone with a relevant degree. However, just because this approach could save money for Mercedes or other automakers doesn’t guarantee it will be better overall.

      Interestingly, Wagener’s comments contrast with Maserati’s design chief Klaus Busse's perspective from last year. He acknowledged that “with AI, I can literally design 50 Maseratis while having an espresso,” but he also stated that it’s not a comprehensive solution or a magic fix.

      “Currently, AI doesn’t foresee the future; it reflects everything available online,” Busse explained. “It’s based on everything previously created, while also applying a degree of probability to suggest things that I might find appealing.”

      “So yes, we’re employing AI for specific tasks, but I don’t believe AI is the answer,” he added. “It’s just another tool, and like other methods used in car design, it requires a high level of self-curation.”

      Perhaps humans will continue to handle the curation aspect…until AI can take on that role as well.

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