Toronto, Ontario -- The inclusion of more and more cutting-edge technologies in vehicles may create a training challenge for Canada's collision sector.
According to Jeff Brown, general manager of the Don-Mor Automotive Group, collision facilities must redouble training efforts if they are to keep up with the pace at which new ADAS and AI tools are being added to vehicles.
"A lack of understanding might be the biggest challenge repairers will face. As these systems get more and more complex, the hours of specialty training and hands-on experience needed to correctly diagnose, repair and calibrate these systems continues to increase,” Brown said.
In the past five years, OEMs have tripled the number of advanced driver assistance systems included in the average vehicle, from two in 2020 to six in 2025. While artificial intelligence was only used in about five percent of vehicles in 2015, the technology was used in at least 75 percent of vehicles sold this year.
His comments were prompted by news Volvo would be including AI-powered, multi-adaptive seatbelts to its fully electric Volvo EX60.
Using the internal and external sensors, the belts adapt their settings based on the profile of the wearer, taking into account the weight, height, body shape and seated position. In more severe crashes, the belts would maintain a tighter hold on passengers to reduce the risk of serious injuries. In milder collisions the belts would maintain a looser hold to reduce the risk of rib injuries.
The safety belts will improve its understanding of occupants, new scenarios and response strategies through over-the-air updates. The belt will integrate and work within Volvo's safety system to provide harmonized protection systems and reduce risk of injuries.
“It's been our experience that when calibrations fail, finding the root cause is challenging," adds Brown. "Increasing complexity by introducing an AI system could make this even more difficult.”
