AI Expert Enhances Vehicle Maintenance with Smart Technology
amsterdam, maandag, 2 juni 2025.
Robin van Ruitenbeek, an AI researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has completed his PhD with research on the use of artificial intelligence for vehicle inspections. His work focuses on automating inspections to increase efficiency and accuracy. A new algorithm for multi-camera inspections improves reliability and completeness, while real-time vehicle location determination to the centimetre level ensures consistent image capture. This research has significant implications for car rental companies, car-sharing services, logistics, and insurance companies, with faster transfers and more efficient claim processing.
Automation of Vehicle Inspections
Robin van Ruitenbeek, an AI researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has completed his PhD with research on the use of artificial intelligence for vehicle inspections. His work focuses on automating inspections to increase efficiency and accuracy. Manual inspections are often characterised by inefficiency, subjectivity, and error-prone processes. By implementing AI, it becomes possible to address these issues and develop a fully autonomous vehicle inspection system [1].
Improved Reliability and Completeness
A key aspect of Van Ruitenbeek’s research is the development of a new algorithm for inspections from multiple camera positions. This algorithm significantly improves the reliability and completeness of inspections. Additionally, the optimal placement of cameras is calculated using an evolutionary algorithm and simulations, leading to more accurate and consistent image captures [1].
Real-Time Location Determination
The system utilises real-time vehicle location determination to the centimetre level. This precision ensures that images are automatically and consistently captured, enhancing the quality of inspections. This is crucial for detecting minor damage and other anomalies that might otherwise be missed [1].
Implications for Various Sectors
The implications of this research are significant for various sectors. Car rental companies benefit from faster and more accurate inspections, leading to shorter wait times and reduced costs. Car-sharing services and the logistics sector also benefit, with clearer responsibility for damage during shift changes. Insurance companies receive more objective and detailed damage assessments through AI, making claim processing more efficient [1].
Research Methodology and Results
Van Ruitenbeek’s research is data-driven and utilised a large collection of photos of damaged vehicles. Cloud computing was extensively used for developing and training AI models. Field research demonstrated that automatic AI detection is comparable to manual inspections by damage experts. Computer simulations and 3D models played a crucial role in the development of algorithms and visualisation of results [1].
Future Perspectives
Van Ruitenbeek’s research not only has immediate implications for the vehicle inspection industry but also provides insights for future applications of AI in other sectors. The developed techniques can be adapted and expanded for use in other forms of inspections and monitoring, further increasing the potential impact of this research [1].