AI replaces tasks, not people: new opportunities in automotive electronics
The far-reaching transformation of the automotive industry is joined by a technological development that is especially becoming the focus of attention: artificial intelligence. This development is associated with many fears, above all a perceived threat to jobs. Is AI a job killer? Current studies like the McKinsey report “AI in the Workplace” paint a more nuanced picture: Artificial intelligence is primarily replacing tasks, not people. This not only opens up efficiency potential but also creates space for innovation and new role profiles, provided that companies actively support their employees through this development.
Potential, not job cuts
The McKinsey report clearly shows that 92 percent of the companies surveyed plan to increase their AI investments in the next few years. Nevertheless, only a few companies are sufficiently prepared in terms of technology and organization. While AI can automate many tasks, that applies almost exclusively to repetitive, rule-based activities, for example, in quality assurance, reporting or data preparation. The real value drivers in companies – creative thinking, interpersonal communication and strategic judgment – remain the task of humans.
The fact that jobs are being cut at the same time, for example at Bosch or Ford, raises the question: Is AI the cause? The answer is nuanced. Although jobs are being lost, this is mostly not due to AI, but because of changes to value chains, the pressure to be efficient and the switch to new technologies. AI is accelerating this change, but it is not the trigger. Used correctly, it is not a risk but can be a strategic lever.
Intelligent support in the automotive sector
The potential of AI-supported systems is particularly evident in automotive electronics, for example in fault diagnostics, the evaluation of sensor data or predictive maintenance. AI helps speed up repetitive processes while at the same time improving quality.
Development departments benefit twofold through shorter iteration cycles in product development and more freedom for complex or creative tasks. Companies are redesigning their workflows with AI, moving away from operationally reactive to strategically designed processes.
Open hardware architecture for accelerated development
This development is receiving an important boost from open hardware platforms such as RISC-V. They enable the development of energy-efficient and safe AI processors that are specially tailored for use in vehicles.
A recent report by the Linux Foundation highlights the MIPS P8700 multicore platform: It is based on six RISC-V cores per cluster, supports ISO 26262 requirements and can be scaled to up to 768 threads. That allows faster and more cost-effective implementation of high-performance, secure AI systems for safety-critical applications such as ADAS or cockpit functions.
AI optimizes vehicle communication and supply chains
Another growth area in which AI can be used is vehicle connectivity. According to the EE Times, over 65 percent of new vehicles now have telematics systems that communicate with infrastructure and cloud services. AI-supported V2X systems analyze traffic data in real time, make intelligent prioritization decisions, and thus improve safety and traffic flow.
AI creates additional resilience in the supply chain: Data-based models help predict bottlenecks, plan alternatives, and intelligently manage inventory. According to McKinsey, this data-based approach is one of the most important levers for mitigating supply bottlenecks and making complex supply chains more resilient, especially against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and scarce resources.
Training, not job cuts
However, it is not only technology that is crucial to the success of this development, but also the human factor. The transformation requires targeted training, particularly in areas such as data expertise, AI logic and interdisciplinary collaboration. Companies investing now in upskilling are better positioned in the long term. New roles are emerging, including AI specialists, data ethicists or system integrators. Jobs are not being abolished, they are changing.
Overall, a new image of the automotive industry is emerging, one that benefits from automation without removing people from the process. AI does not replace people, it supports them, which is exactly where its transformative power lies.
Learn more about the use of AI in development and manufacturing at the electronica Automotive Conference.
On September 10, 2025, you can look forward to inspiring expert presentations from international companies such as Bosch, Infineon, Microsoft, NXP, and many others.