Toyota has unveiled they are using text-to-rendering design tool that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in the creation of aerodynamic electric vehicles (EVs).
Developed by the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), this innovative system allows designers to input prompts such as “sleek” or “SUV-like,” along with engineering requirements like low drag. The AI then generates initial renderings that can be further refined by human designers.
While AI cannot yet fully design a new car, this tool considers crucial factors like drag and chassis dimensions, which significantly impact fuel efficiency, handling, ergonomics, and safety. By combining Toyota’s engineering expertise with the capabilities of modern generative AI, this technique helps designers optimize their engineering constraints with styling prompts.
Toyota’s focus on aerodynamic drag, particularly for electric vehicles seeking to extend their range, is evident in their research papers published by TRI. By leveraging generative AI, the automaker aims to expedite and enhance the design process for electrified vehicles.
It’s worth noting that Nissan also employs AI technology to improve aerodynamics. However, Nissan’s approach involves evaluating the aerodynamic potential of designs created by its employees, rather than generating sketches independently.
