Bentley Motors has introduced a smart new AI system that’s changing how the company checks the leather used in its luxury car interiors. This new technology is part of Bentley’s plan to create more sustainable, high-quality vehicles under its Beyond100+ strategy.
The system is called AI-Powered Hide Inspection. It uses advanced cameras and artificial intelligence to spot even the tiniest flaws in leather things like insect bites, holes, and scars that the human eye might miss.
This helps Bentley reduce waste and improve the overall look and feel of their interiors.
To give you an idea of the scale, a single Bentayga SUV interior needs around nine full leather hides. Because leather is a natural material, it often has imperfections.
Bentley’s new AI tech checks multiple hides at the same time and makes sure only the best ones are chosen. This not only saves time but also improves quality.
Even though the system uses machines, it doesn’t replace the skilled craftspeople who do the finishing touches.
It just makes their job easier by giving them perfect pieces to work with for their detailed hand-sewn designs.
The AI also helps reduce carbon emissions saving about 135.7 kg of CO₂ per car. And it works well with Bentley’s current leather-cutting methods, helping get the best use out of each hide for over 200 trim parts in a single car.
“Our car interiors are crafted from the finest natural leather. The investment in this pioneering new technology further enhances the sustainability of Bentley’s luxurious cabins, reducing waste and optimising leather usage. Hide Inspection also showcases how cutting-edge innovation and Bentley’s traditional craftsmanship techniques can co-exist side-by-side.”
Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing, Bentley Motors
He also said that this is just one of many new ideas coming out of Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe. The company is working on an all-electric car and a new eco-friendly factory with zero environmental impact.
