Introduction to Active Suspension Systems

A new partnership aims to make a comfort feature generally available only in luxury vehicles, smaller and less expensive enough to be offered in more affordable models. That feature is called active suspension. As opposed to what’s known as passive suspension using shock absorbers and springs, active suspension does a better job absorbing road bumps and other inconsistencies and providing a quieter ride using electronic components and sensors.

The Challenges of Active Suspension

The problem is, active suspension systems are heavier and more expensive. They also require 10-15 kilowatts of power, requiring large and heavy DC-to-DC power converters. But a partnership between Andover, Massachusetts-based Vicor and Chinese tech firm Xiamen Hongfa Electroacoustic Co., Ltd., better known as Hongfa, is combining their expertise to solve those issues, the companies announced Wednesday.

The Solution: Compact and Efficient Active Suspension

Hongfa has designed the smallest and lightest active suspension system on the market by combining a 48V architecture and high-density power modules. Four Vicor fixed-ratio BCM6135, 800V-to-48V DC-DC bus converters are used to convert high voltage to 48V and route power to each wheel. Hongfa, a leading manufacturer of power relays, developed a compact, lightweight active suspension system using much less power by incorporating high-density, small, lightweight power modules produced by Vicor.

Key Features of the New Active Suspension System

The Hongfa active suspension system is liquid cooled and is the most compact on the market, weighing 2.6kg and measuring 197 x 201 x 71mm, according to the company. The concept leverages the 48 volt networks replacing 12 volt systems in today’s electrified vehicles aimed at improving efficiency and reducing vehicle size and weight. It’s a power level considered safe for anyone servicing a vehicle, and also allows a major reduction in the size of active suspension system actuators.

How the System Works

The vehicle’s 800 volt battery provides current when the vehicle travels over smooth road surfaces, and the suspension actuation motor is the 48 volt load. When the vehicle travels over a bumpy road, the linear motors in the suspension system momentarily become generators, which increase the voltage on the low side of the converter. This difference in voltage reverses the direction of current flow. The 800V battery then momentarily becomes the load and recovers energy by charging through its battery management control system.

Benefits of the New Active Suspension System

The results could mean a benefit for EV drivers looking to squeeze more driving range from their vehicles’ batteries. “You get a small range increase because of the weight decrease, but also because of the power regeneration, recapturing the power,” said Greg Green, director, automotive marketing at Vicor. Essentially any suspension event, you’re only consuming three to 4% of the total power that was put in, and then 96% or so gets put back into the battery.

Conclusion

The new active suspension system developed by Vicor and Hongfa has the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry by providing a more efficient, compact, and cost-effective solution for luxury and mid-luxury vehicles. With its ability to regenerate power and reduce energy consumption, this system could become ubiquitous across a wider vehicle price range within the next 15 years.

FAQs

• Q: What is active suspension and how does it differ from passive suspension?
  A: Active suspension uses electronic components and sensors to absorb road bumps and provide a quieter ride, whereas passive suspension uses shock absorbers and springs.
• Q: What are the benefits of the new active suspension system developed by Vicor and Hongfa?
  A: The new system is more compact, efficient, and cost-effective, and has the ability to regenerate power and reduce energy consumption.
• Q: When can we expect to see the new active suspension system in production vehicles?
  A: The first use of the active suspension system incorporating Vicor and Hongfa technology is expected to reach consumers around the end of 2026 or 2027, mainly in luxury and mid-luxury vehicles.
• Q: Will the new active suspension system be affected by import tariffs?
  A: The impact of import tariffs is expected to be minimal, as Vicor ships its U.S.-made power modules to Hongfa, which builds the finished product.

AI and automation for impact are revolutionizing the business world, transforming the way companies operate, make decisions, and interact with customers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the current state of AI in business, its benefits and challenges, and what the future holds for this technology. From enhanced efficiency to improved customer experiences, AI is poised to drive significant growth and innovation in the years to come.

Understanding AI and Its Applications in Business

AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. In business, AI is being used in a variety of ways, including chatbots, predictive analytics, and process automation. These applications are enabling companies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer engagement.

Types of AI Used in Business

There are several types of AI being used in business, including narrow or weak AI, general or strong AI, and superintelligence. Narrow AI is designed to perform a specific task, such as image recognition or language translation, while general AI is more advanced and can perform a wide range of tasks. Superintelligence refers to AI that is significantly more intelligent than humans and has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries.

Benefits of AI in Business

The benefits of AI in business are numerous and well-documented. AI can help companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. It can also provide valuable insights and enable data-driven decision-making. Additionally, AI can help businesses stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions.

The Current State of AI in Business

AI is being used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. In healthcare, AI is being used to analyze medical images, diagnose diseases, and develop personalized treatment plans. In finance, AI is being used to detect fraud, predict market trends, and optimize investment portfolios. In retail, AI is being used to personalize customer experiences, optimize supply chains, and predict demand.

Challenges and Limitations of AI in Business

While AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries, there are also challenges and limitations to its adoption. One of the biggest challenges is the need for high-quality data, which can be difficult to obtain and integrate. Additionally, AI systems can be biased and require significant expertise to develop and implement. Furthermore, there are concerns about job displacement and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing social inequalities.

Real-World Examples of AI in Business

There are numerous real-world examples of AI in business, including Amazon’s use of AI-powered chatbots to provide customer support, Walmart’s use of AI to optimize its supply chain, and Google’s use of AI to improve its search engine results. These examples demonstrate the potential of AI to drive significant growth and innovation in business.

The Future of AI in Business

The future of AI in business is exciting and rapidly evolving. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and use cases. One area that holds significant promise is the use of AI in conjunction with other emerging technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). This convergence of technologies has the potential to create new business models, products, and services that we cannot yet imagine.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

There are several emerging trends and technologies that are likely to shape the future of AI in business. These include the use of edge AI, which enables AI processing to occur at the edge of the network, reducing latency and improving real-time decision-making. Another trend is the use of transfer learning, which enables AI models to be trained on one task and applied to another, reducing the need for large amounts of training data.

Preparing for the Future of AI in Business

To prepare for the future of AI in business, companies need to develop a strategic plan that takes into account the potential benefits and challenges of AI. This plan should include investments in AI research and development, as well as employee training and education. Additionally, companies need to ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure and data management systems in place to support AI adoption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI and automation for impact are transforming the business world, enabling companies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. While there are challenges and limitations to AI adoption, the benefits are numerous and well-documented. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and use cases. By understanding the current state of AI in business, its benefits and challenges, and what the future holds, companies can prepare for the significant growth and innovation that AI is poised to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is AI and how is it used in business?

AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. In business, AI is being used in a variety of ways, including chatbots, predictive analytics, and process automation.

What are the benefits of AI in business?

The benefits of AI in business are numerous and well-documented. AI can help companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. It can also provide valuable insights and enable data-driven decision-making.

What are the challenges and limitations of AI in business?

While AI has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries, there are also challenges and limitations to its adoption. One of the biggest challenges is the need for high-quality data, which can be difficult to obtain and integrate. Additionally, AI systems can be biased and require significant expertise to develop and implement.

How can companies prepare for the future of AI in business?

To prepare for the future of AI in business, companies need to develop a strategic plan that takes into account the potential benefits and challenges of AI. This plan should include investments in AI research and development, as well as employee training and education. Additionally, companies need to ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure and data management systems in place to support AI adoption.

What is the future of AI in business?

The future of AI in business is exciting and rapidly evolving. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and use cases. One area that holds significant promise is the use of AI in conjunction with other emerging technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). This convergence of technologies has the potential to create new business models, products, and services that we cannot yet imagine.

As AI matures, the availability of so-called “digital labor” is exploding, expanding the very definition of a qualified workforce. What was once the exclusive domain of human talent has now been joined by AI agents capable of handling many tasks once considered beyond the reach of automation—and as a result, according to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars.

The Evolution of Automation

The evolution of automation has been a significant factor in the growth of digital labor. Tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence and expertise can now be performed by AI agents with a high degree of accuracy and speed. This has opened up new possibilities for businesses and organizations, allowing them to automate tasks that were previously manual and time-consuming.

Impact on the Workforce

The rise of digital labor is likely to have a significant impact on the workforce. As AI agents take over routine and repetitive tasks, human workers will be freed up to focus on more complex and creative tasks that require a higher level of skill and expertise. This could lead to the creation of new job opportunities and the development of new industries that we cannot yet imagine.

Benefits of Digital Labor

The benefits of digital labor are numerous. For businesses, it can increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer service. For workers, it can provide new opportunities for skill development and career advancement. For society as a whole, it can help to drive economic growth and innovation.

Challenges and Limitations

However, there are also challenges and limitations to the growth of digital labor. One of the main challenges is the need for significant investment in AI technology and infrastructure. There is also a risk that the rise of digital labor could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, particularly if certain groups are left behind in the transition to an automated workforce.

Future of Digital Labor

Despite these challenges, the future of digital labor looks bright. As AI technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more tasks and industries being automated. This will require workers to develop new skills and adapt to new ways of working, but it also has the potential to drive significant economic growth and innovation.

Total Addressable Market

According to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars. This is a significant opportunity for businesses and investors, and it highlights the potential for digital labor to drive economic growth and innovation in the years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of digital labor is a significant trend that is likely to have a major impact on the workforce and the economy. As AI technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more tasks and industries being automated. While there are challenges and limitations to the growth of digital labor, the benefits are numerous and the potential for economic growth and innovation is significant.

FAQs

• Q: What is digital labor?
  A: Digital labor refers to the use of AI agents and automation to perform tasks that were previously done by humans.
• Q: What are the benefits of digital labor?
  A: The benefits of digital labor include increased efficiency and productivity, reduced costs, and improved customer service.
• Q: What are the challenges and limitations of digital labor?
  A: The challenges and limitations of digital labor include the need for significant investment in AI technology and infrastructure, and the risk that it could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities.
• Q: What is the total addressable market for digital labor?
  A: According to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars.
• Q: How will digital labor change the workforce?
  A: Digital labor will change the workforce by automating routine and repetitive tasks, and freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks.