The National Insititute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced its strategic partnership with Convertible AI, a professional services company focused on artificial intelligence, to explore and address the standardization of AI and AI accreditation criteria for automotive diagnostics and repairs.
“A common theme for decades has been the fear that new technology will replace technicians and turn them into parts installers,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “Quite the opposite has happened. The demand for highly trained technicians has continued to rise as vehicles have consistently become more technologically complex. Likewise, tools to diagnose and repair vehicles have also become more technologically advanced. These tools require a technician to be well-trained and knowledgeable while increasing efficiency.”
ASE's partnership with Convertible AI combines the AI company's experience with AI with the institute's history of assessing and certifying processes as well as its extensive network of professionals. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the industry's adoption of artificial intelligence in tools and equipment remains in line with the intitute's standards for safety, reliability, and performance.
"As we move into a future where AI tools could become as integral to a technician's toolbox as traditional diagnostic equipment, it's crucial that we, along with industry professionals, explore rigorous benchmarks for their use,” said Johnson. “This partnership with Convertible AI represents a significant step forward in our mission to promote excellence in overall vehicle service. By investigating potential AI accreditation criteria, we aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy and service quality for automotive professionals nationwide, ensuring that technological advancements align with our industry's commitment to excellence and safety."
There are three main focuses for the partnership. First is assessing AI performance and fairness, which includes evaluating how AI systems perform across various makes and models and against diagnostic challenges. Next is examining AI transparency and accountability, which includes researching how to make AI decision-making processes more transparent to technicians and developing a methodology for assessing AI-generated diagnoses. Finally, the partnership will work on defining ethical guidelines and best practices regarding AI, which includes privacy protection and ensuring compliance with industry regualtions.
"We are excited to work with Convertible AI on this pioneering exploration,” said Johnson. “Their expertise in AI will be crucial as we investigate how these tools can be useful to service professionals while upholding our industry's high standards."
"We're honored to collaborate with ASE on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Eric West, chief growth officer of Convertible AI. “Our AI expertise will support ASE's vision to ensure automotive diagnostic technologies are both innovative and trustworthy. We're excited to help shape the future of AI-assisted automotive service and repair."
