The Future of Automotive AI: How Technology Is Transforming the Parts and Service Industry
Manage episode 479672759 series 3588104
What happens when artificial intelligence meets automotive expertise? Tilak Kasturi, founder of Predi, takes us on a fascinating journey through the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive AI and its transformative impact on the parts and service industry.
Drawing from his diverse background, spanning from NASA's space shuttle launch systems to radiation oncology software, Kasturi explains how Predii developed specialized AI solutions for the automotive aftermarket. Unlike generic AI applications, these tools understand the unique language and technical requirements of vehicle maintenance and repair.
The conversation explores how AI connects previously siloed data across the automotive ecosystem. Parts suppliers can now track customer experiences through the entire service journey, predicting demand patterns with unprecedented accuracy. Service advisors use AI assistants that understand when customers say their "car is making a funny noise," translating vague descriptions into specific technical issues and part requirements.
Most striking is how quickly this technology is being adopted. While the internet revolution took 25 years to fully transform business practices, Kasturi predicts AI will achieve similar penetration in just five years, driven by affordable cloud computing and open-source technologies. Despite this acceleration, he emphasizes the critical importance of implementing AI carefully in an industry where safety and accuracy are paramount.
Looking ahead, Kasturi envisions increasingly personalized vehicle owner experiences powered by "human-centric AI" that builds trust through transparent reasoning. Throughout our conversation, one message remains consistent: successful automotive AI must blend deep industry knowledge with technological capability, making human experts more efficient rather than replacing them.
Whether you're a shop owner considering AI adoption, a parts supplier looking to improve forecasting, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping automotive care, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of our industry. Listen now to understand how the right implementation of AI can transform your automotive business.
To learn more about the Auto Care Association visit autocare.org.
To learn more about our show and suggest future topics and guests, visit autocare.org/podcast
Chapters
1. The Future of Automotive AI: How Technology Is Transforming the Parts and Service Industry (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to Indicators (00:00:08)
3. Meet Tilak Kasturi (00:00:42)
4. Introduction to Predii (00:03:43)
5. AI Throughout the Supply Chain (00:05:30)
6. Generative AI Applications (00:11:27)
7. Data Sources and AI Integration (00:20:08)
8. AI Innovation Cycles (00:24:34)
9. Future of Automotive AI (00:34:19)
10. Challenges and Final Thoughts (00:38:56)
50 episodes