GM incorporates artificial intelligence systems into its vehicle design and engineering processes, significantly reducing the time required to complete complex tasks. Rather than replacing human designers, the automaker says it is using AI as a tool to increase creativity and efficiency, strengthening existing skills while speeding up workflows. The result is that humans have more time to develop and refine ideas, without eliminating human oversight in the process.
As GM explains, this strategy can be applied throughout the development process, starting with initial design concepts through testing. Designers still start with hand-drawn sketches, but AI tools now allow those ideas to be quickly turned into detailed visuals and animations. In one case, a concept was turned into a collection of images and a short animated teaser in less than a day, whereas similar work previously required multiple teams and significantly more time.
AI also allows teams to explore broader design possibilities. Rather than committing to one direction from the start, designers can create several different variations, compare them, and refine the most promising options. Even with this capability, designers remain responsible for the final decisions to ensure each vehicle reflects the desired brand identity.
Apart from design, AI also improves engineering processes, especially in terms of aerodynamics. The AI-based virtual wind tunnel developed by GM engineers can estimate aerodynamic drag and work directly with design tools, replacing the slower approach of computational simulation and physical wind tunnel testing. As a result, processes that previously took weeks can now be completed almost instantly.
Another example is adjusting the exterior design to reduce drag, which can impact the driving range of an electric vehicle.
“We are laser-focused on the most effective ways to capitalize on this coming wave of AI… our goal is really to pioneer the future of transportation with AI,” said Director of Design Innovation and Technology Operations, Bryan Styles. “We apply it in a way that enhances the skills we already have… We think about it from the perspective of augmenting and speeding up the process.”
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