Automotive tech expert pioneers comprehensive solutions from data collection to visualization of vehicle components
Using sensors and digital technologies to gather data about the automotive lifecycle provides numerous benefits, from the factory to the service bay. However, data is only as good as the ability to interpret it. This article discusses how advances in data analysis are fueling real world changes for the automotive sector.
“In an era where every byte of data is gold, understanding and visualizing it is the secret that transforms industries,” remarks Dr. Rohit Ugle, the Technical Specialist at Caterpillar Inc., as he reflected on the recent surge in demand for data-driven solutions in the automotive sector. This sentiment, echoing the pulse of the industry, sets the stage for a deeper dive into the transformative journey of data in the realm of vehicle components.
2023 has been a turning point moment for the automotive industry. With the global automotive artificial intelligence (AI) market projected to reach a staggering $7 billion by 2027, integrating data science and machine learning has never been more crucial. Amidst this backdrop, Dr. Ugle’s expertise stands out for its innovation and holistic approach to the data lifecycle.
Bridging the Gap: From Raw Data to Insightful Visualization
In industries like the automotive sector, establishing a foundation of data and its visualization is paramount before implementing any solution. Dr. Ugle highlights the dual challenge: gathering accurate data and interpreting it. Precise data collection forms a reliable base for decisions. Effective visualization then translates this data into discernible insights, identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.
“How we gather data today has seen a lot of improvement,” Dr. Ugle adds. “However, without refining it, its true potential remains untapped. It sometimes becomes useless.”
This is where the value of visualization goes beyond mere comprehension. It plays a role in communication, allowing stakeholders at all levels to grasp the nuances of the data and ensuring alignment in strategy and execution. Visualization is how technicians view data, underscoring the importance of accuracy in data collection and representation.
Applying the Insight to the Real World
Being a Technical Specialist in Data Science and Machine Learning at Caterpillar Inc. gave Dr. Ugle hands-on experience in designing and developing machine learning and physics-based solutions for optimizing vehicle components’ utility. The Ph.D. In Engineering holder has also developed condition monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions for solving customer problems and elevating industry standards.
- Current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS)
Evidence of Dr. Ugle’s expertise is his research on CATS titled, “Novel current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS): Localization of spark plasma sintering.” He mentions that the study introduces CATS as a new technique that uses an electric current and pressure applied through a conducting tip to achieve localized sintering. This method allows for precise control over where the sintering occurs, making it suitable for creating detailed and complex structures at various scales.
CATS’s precision in sintering at various scales offers a level of detail previously unattainable in traditional manufacturing processes. According to Dr. Ugle, integrating CATS-manufactured sensors into vehicle components makes capturing data with unparalleled accuracy possible. These sensors, tailored to specific requirements using the CATS process, ensure that every nuance, from temperature fluctuations to minute vibrations, is recorded.
He adds, “Components manufactured using advanced sintering techniques like CATS might exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, increasing durability and reliability. This can result in longer component lifespans and reduced maintenance needs and costs.”
- Online Diagnostic System of Battery Packs
The tech expert’s recent study on battery module degradation of electric vehicles (EV) and the introduction of the Worthiness of Replacement (WOR) index is another project that adds to his stellar portfolio. Understanding the challenges faced by the EV industry, such as the variability in battery modules and the impact of their degradation on the overall performance of EVs, he embarked on a mission to address this issue.
Dr. Ugle devised an online diagnostic scheme to monitor battery health in real time by harnessing the intrinsic signals of battery module equalization. This approach negates the need for additional sensors or offline tests, proving the innovator’s commitment to cost-effective and efficient solutions.
His creation of the battery pack “health map ” further strengthened this solution.” This real-time visualization tool offers a comprehensive view of the battery pack’s condition, enabling technicians and vehicle owners to make informed decisions about diagnostics and maintenance.
Dr. Ugle also proposes the Worthiness of Replacement (WOR) metric based on the battery health map, which evaluates whether it’s worth replacing specific battery modules or cells. The WOR provides a quantitative measure to decide on module replacement or even swapping out the entire battery pack. This quantitative measure, tailored to customer-specified trips, guides module replacement and battery pack swapping. In doing so, the EV industry has been provided with a tool to enhance vehicle performance and customer satisfaction significantly.
Dr. Ugle mentions, “I am interested in these kinds of projects as I look forward to using 4.0 data-driven solutions to launch more engineering features, creating accurate visualizations, and automating the analytics process in the automotive industry.”
The Challenge for the Future
The tech expert acknowledges that data and data acquisition will become more sophisticated and complex yet more valuable in the coming years. As technology continues to discover something new, data will also evolve. This emphasizes the role of technical specialists like himself to filter, monitor, safeguard, and, most importantly, use it for the benefit and advancement of the industry.
“There’s so much to learn and test. I believe the solutions I created are just the start,” Dr. Rohit Ugle shares. “As we invest more in research and practical applications, we can address concerns we have never seen before. This situation will be the perfect time for experts to take our stand and use our expertise to solve real-life problems.”
This article was written by Mae Cornes from Digital Journal and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
