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How does Bentley's AI configurator impact sustainability

Introduction

Bentley’s AI-powered configurator contributes to sustainability efforts in several ways:

Efficiency Improvements

The intelligent configurator, developed in collaboration with Intel, has led to significant efficiency gains:

Faster rendering of images, reducing computing time and energy consumption.

A 33% improvement in error detection between the first and second generation configurator for Bentayga, despite a 600% increase in content.

Digital Craftsmanship

By leveraging AI and advanced rendering techniques, Bentley has created a digital experience that reduces the need for physical prototypes:

Over 1.7 million single images are used to create lifelike renders of customized vehicles.

Up to 10 billion possible product configurations per model can be visualized digitally.

Reduced Environmental Impact

The shift towards digital visualization has several environmental benefits:

Decreased reliance on physical materials for showcasing vehicle options.

Reduced need for transportation and logistics associated with physical car showrooms.

Lower energy consumption in the configuration process due to optimized AI toolkits.

Supporting Sustainable Design

The configurator indirectly supports Bentley’s broader sustainability goals:

It aligns with Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which aims to achieve end-to-end carbon neutrality by 2030.

By providing a powerful digital tool, it enables customers to explore eco-friendly options and materials more easily.

Future Potential

Bentley is looking to expand the project further:

Combining Intel’s rendering performance with Bentley’s digital craftsmanship to increase efficiency.

Training the software to understand product correctness and quality standards, further reducing time and resources needed for imagery production.

Conclusion

By leveraging AI in their configurator, Bentley is not only enhancing the customer experience but also contributing to their overall sustainability efforts by reducing resource consumption and supporting their transition to more environmentally friendly practices in luxury automotive manufacturing.