A DEEP DRIVE FOR COLLISION INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Column by GAURAV (RAV) MENDIRATTA
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just the stuff of sci-fi movies anymore. It’s here, it’s real, and it’s changing the game for industries everywhere, including ours in the collision world. If you’re still picturing robots taking over, don’t worry—it’s more about making our lives easier and our businesses smarter. Think of ChatGPT as a super-smart parrot. It can repeat and generate sentences based on what it has learned, but it doesn’t truly understand the world like we do.
This means it’s not going to take over your job or the world. Instead, think of AI as a powerful assistant that can handle repetitive tasks, give you creative suggestions, and make your workday smoother. As you learn the fundamentals of AI and GenAI this might become more evident, so let’s dive into it with a touch of humor and wit to keep things lively.
EVOLUTION OF AI: FROM BASIC TRICKS TO BRAINY BOTS
AI has been evolving for over 35 years, moving from simple rulebased systems to today’s sophisticated foundational models. Here’s a quick rundown:
• Traditional AI (Narrow AI or Weak AI) This type of AI is designed to perform specific tasks such as chess playing or making book recommendations. It is reactive and operates under fixed rules. Think of this as the basic trick-trained dog. It’s reactive, like when you throw a ball, and your dog fetches it without thinking twice.
• Machine Learning (ML) A subset of AI where computers learn from data to identify patterns and make decisions. Imagine a dog that learns new tricks by watching you. You don’t have to teach it every trick—it observes and learns. There are three main types of ML:
o Supervised Learning learns from labeled data, like a coach giving math problems with the answers (e.g., spam email filtering)
o Unsupervised Learning finds patterns on its own, like sorting puzzle pieces into groups (e.g. TikTok’s video recommendations)
o Reinforcement Learning learns by trial and error for example getting treats for good behaviour (e.g., AI-driven games, self-driving cars)
• Deep Learning A further subset of ML that uses neural networks to analyze various factors simultaneously. Continuing with the dog theme, this is the dog that not only performs tricks but also competes in dog shows, impressing everyone with its skills. It uses neural networks to analyze multiple factors simultaneously.
• Foundational Models and Generative AI: Here’s where it gets fun. Foundational Models are a subset of Deep Learning, and GenAI is built using Foundational Large Language models, like a dog inventing its own tricks—creating new content, like writing stories, generating art or composing music. It’s creativity unleashed!
GENAI AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COLLISION INDUSTRY
Picture this: a customer has just been in a fender bender and is feeling stressed. An AI-driven virtual assistant steps in, offering real-time advice and ensuring all the necessary information is recorded accurately. No more fumbling for the right words—AI has got it covered.
Insurance companies and car rental services can tap into AI tools like Tractable, tCheck, and Altamira.ai. These tools analyze damage photos to provide accurate repair estimates faster than you can say “estimate,” while also sniffing out potential fraud. This means fewer headaches for estimators and more time for the tricky stuff.
TRANSFORMING THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY WITH AI
AI is set to revolutionize every step of the customer journey in the collision industry. From accident reports to repair estimates and final settlements, AI tools will make processes faster, more accurate, and customer friendly. This transformation will also benefit related businesses, such as insurance companies and car rental services, creating a more efficient ecosystem.
By embracing AI, you not only enhance your operational efficiency but also position your business at the forefront of technological innovation. The future of the collision industry is bright with AI, and those who adapt early will reap the most significant benefits. So, dive in, experiment, and transform your business with AI today!
PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS IN THE COLLISION INDUSTRY
• Estimating Damage: AI tools can quickly analyze damage photos, generating AI repair estimates that are spot-on.
• Customer Service: AI virtual assistants handle inquiries, providing accurate and timely information.
• Fraud Detection: AI identifies inconsistencies in claims, helping to prevent fraud.
• Process Optimization: AI automates routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on more complex cases.
EMBRACE AI AND EXPERIMENT
I encourage all the collision industry professionals to recognize AI’s potential and actively experiment with different AI tools. Here’s how to get started:
• Explore AI Tools: Try out tools like ChatGPT, Fathom video, Perplexity, Gamma AI and see how they can improve your workflow.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: Join AI workshops to gain deeper insights and practical knowledge.
• Collaborate and Share: Engage with peers and industry leaders to share experiences and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
