Artificial Intelligence is replacing many human-held jobs in the auto industry, from manufacturing and assembly, data entry, logistics planning, compliance administration, inventory management, software engineering, customer service, fleet management and more. Now, according to Mercedes-Benz’s chief of design, automotive design will join that list.
The fallout will be fewer jobs for designers and the certain elimination of entry-level design jobs. In an interview with ABC News in which Mercedes’ Gorden Wagener talked to the network about the automaker’s joint real-estate venture with JDS Development Group and architectural firm SHoP Architects that has erected a luxury tower in Miami, the design chief says: “AI will drastically change the way we design. I think in 10 years, maybe, most of design will be done by AI and it will make designers obsolete. My successor will be a machine and will be much cheaper than my salary.”
Wagener says 99% of the designs that AI spits out now are not up to standard, but 1% is. Mercedes designers are using AI as tools for some of their design work to speed processes. AI tools were used to design the Miami and Dubai buildings.
General Motors is another automaker that speaks of making big use of AI-driven generative design, particularly with Autodesk’s AI software. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 featured AI-assisted designs for lightweight structural components. And AI played a major role in designing the Cadillac Celestiq EV, the company says.
Tesla uses AI for both vehicle design and autonomous driving development. The Cybertruck's unique geometric structure is said to have been influenced by AI simulations for efficiency and strength, though the Cybertruck thus far could be said to be a failure in terms of sales volume and critical appeal.
Living in My Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz Places Miami is an upcoming luxury mixed-use development located in the heart of Miami's Brickell neighborhood. The project marks the automaker’s inaugural venture into North American real estate, aiming to seamlessly blend the brand’s iconic design philosophy with urban living.
The 67-story tower has 791 residences, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Each residence has been designed with heavy participation by Mercedes-Benz design staff, with the intent of “reflecting the elegance and innovation synonymous with Mercedes-Benz,” says the company’s marketing materials.
Mercedes collaborated with builder JDS Development Group and architectural firm SHoP Architects.
Ironically, for a building that doesn’t move, except in high winds, Wagener says Mercedes-Benz Places, like the project being erected in Dubai, is meant to convey speed. “You see the speed in the balconies, going around and around, it’s kind of endless. The movement doesn’t stop. The building is also silver, so it’s very Mercedes. The balconies are like an automobile fender.” Another Mercedes-Benz Place is underway in Dubai.
Wagener says the automaker embarked on the project to show how a Mercedes “eco-system” of home and car could be created. It’s also a powerful brand statement for Mercedes. He notes that the sweeping “hyperscreen” in the Mercedes EQS EV is meant to carry over to the car the same big-screen experience customers have at home. But, he says, the dilemma going forward for the hyperscreen is developing content to put on it that makes sense and doesn’t distract from driving.
Amenities in Mercedes Places include a state-of-the-art fitness center; multiple swimming pools; co-working spaces and library; custom Mercedes-Benz race car simulators; 200,000 sq.-ft. (18,580 sq.-m) of office space in addition to the residences; a 174-room luxury hotel; curated retail; and more.
Prices for residential units range from $755,000 for studios to $2,736,900 to $3,105,500 for 3-bedroom units. One hundred units were sold over the four days after sales began in early 2024.
