The AI Car Wash of the Future
What if your favorite car wash welcomed you by name and remembered your preferred wash? If you are a car wash owner, what if your investment could fix itself before it broke? This isn’t science fiction—it’s the AI car wash of the future. The industry is on the verge of a smart systems revolution, and those who don’t adapt may be left behind.
The car wash industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies. Even with rapid change, the core objectives of car wash operations have remained consistent:
Optimizing operations to be more efficient and productive
Improving the customer experience
Fostering sustainability
What is new is the advancement of technology including AI that provides more options to automate or make operations smarter. In a recent episode of "Conversations with ICA," the new video series from the International Car Wash Association, OnLogic AI Implementation Strategist, Sara Mellinger, joined ICA's Kendra Johnson to explore the AI car wash of the future.
Watch the full episode below, or continue reading for a recap of the discussion.
Why invest in AI technology now?
For car wash owners and operators, the question isn't just about adopting cutting-edge car wash technology; it's about staying relevant.
“If you're not exploring these advancements now, there's a real risk of being left behind.”
~ Sara Mellinger, AI Implementation Strategist
The good news is that the car wash industry, compared to some other sectors, is perhaps a little behind in fully leveraging these technologies. This isn't a negative; it means there's significant opportunity. Many AI applications are already being implemented in car wash systems, offering a clear path to catch up. Furthermore, applications proven in other industries, like manufacturing or even mining, can be adapted to fit a need at modern car washes, meaning they don't have to be treated as entirely new concepts.
Getting started with AI car wash technology
The idea of integrating AI systems might feel daunting or scary. This often stems from a fear of the unknown, where imaginations can quickly leap to extreme scenarios. However, it's helpful to view this evolution as another natural transformation in technology, similar to past decades where people adapted to, and learned to leverage, new tools.
The key is to build upon that experience and apply it to AI-powered systems and automation. Instead of focusing on the broad concept of artificial intelligence, breaking it down into specific, practical applications makes it much less intimidating. When seen in the light of how these technologies can genuinely help streamline car wash operations, enhance the customer experience, and improve the bottom line, the fear tends to dissipate, replaced by a focus on practical benefits.
Define your objectives
Where does one begin this journey into AI car wash technology? The most effective starting point, as with any significant business initiative, is to define your objectives.
“Whether it's AI or another change, I always think you need to start with your objectives. Once you have your objectives, you should start thinking about how AI-driven solutions or automation help you achieve those things.”
~ Sara Mellinger, AI Implementation Strategist
What are you trying to accomplish with your car wash business? With AI and automation, common goals include improving your bottom line (either by increasing revenue or reducing costs), enhancing customer satisfaction, and increasing the sustainability of your operations. Once objectives are clear, you can then research how artificial intelligence or automation could help achieve those specific goals. This research helps narrow down the field to particular applications that are truly worthwhile pursuing. As you identify these applications, it's highly recommended to seek partners and guides who can assist with implementation.
A crucial recommendation for getting started is to avoid beginning with a "science experiment". Instead, leverage technologies that are already proven. These proven applications fall into two main categories: technologies already being deployed by other car washes and technologies proven in other industries that can be adapted.
Let's explore some of these proven use cases in the context of the AI car wash.
Current AI applications in the car wash industry:
Smart kiosks: While implementing smart kiosks might seem straightforward, the real-world application can present challenges. The goal is to make things user-friendly and smoother for the customer and optimize throughput. However, poorly designed systems can confuse people, require multiple steps before payment, slow down the tunnel, and frustrate customers.
License plate recognition: License Plate Recognition is a fundamental step towards personalized car wash services such as automatic payment, or tailored wash recommendations based on customer preferences linked to the plate.
Collision avoidance in the tunnel: This involves systems designed to prevent vehicles from colliding with other vehicles, car wash equipment, or the tunnel structure itself.
Predictive maintenance: The goal is to predict when car wash equipment might fail before it happens. This significantly improves operational efficiency and reduces costly downtime.
Applications found in other industries that could be applicable to car washes:
Optimizing resource usage: AI could be used to ensure the right amount of water and chemicals are dispensed for the needs of the individual car – not too much (which is wasteful and costly, increasing operational costs and impacting sustainability) and not too little (which results in a poorly cleaned car).
The agriculture industry is already leveraging AI-powered solutions to optimize chemical usage.
Obstruction detection: Think about a customer rushing to get their car washed and forgetting a snowboard on the roof, having something unsecured in a pickup truck bed, or owning a vehicle with unusually large side view mirrors that protrude. These instances can cause significant damage, leading to customer heartache and costly damage claims for the operator.
Pre-wash damage scan and dent detection: Another critical way AI can help avoid damage claims is by scanning the vehicle before and after the wash. The idea is to determine if any damage, like a dent, occurred during the wash or if it already existed. The challenge here lies in the sophistication required to accurately identify dents amidst varying car colors, labels, water and dirt levels, lighting conditions, and reflective surfaces.
The beverage industry uses AI to monitor aluminum cans moving at high speed, identifying those with dents.
Getting started - take a strategic approach
Taking the plunge into creating the car wash of the future requires a strategic approach. A natural first step is to conduct a strategic evaluation, perhaps over a few months, to identify the most relevant applications for your specific car wash operations and business objectives. This involves engaging with potential partners to help estimate the scope and cost of implementation. Crucially, you must also perform due diligence to understand the predicted value and return on investment (ROI) you expect.
Prioritizing implementations based on feasibility and the potential return is key, ensuring you don't spend significantly without getting value. The real risk lies in doing nothing while competitors leverage these advancements to become more productive, efficient, and profitable, or to offer a more valuable experience to customers who might then choose their car wash over yours.
AI and automation - a fundamental shift in the car wash industry
The integration of artificial intelligence and automation is not just a trend but a fundamental shift reshaping the car wash industry. By focusing on practical applications that address specific challenges and objectives, overcoming the initial fear, and starting with proven technologies, car wash owners can leverage AI as a powerful tool to enhance their car wash business.
How OnLogic can help
AI Consulting: OnLogic works with companies across all industries to help them evaluate the feasibility of AI projects and to help prioritize which areas to address first. Our consulting team and AI partners can help you develop a proof of concept or a solution prototype.
Hardware: Our robust hardware is the ideal platform for your AI solutions. Our systems are purpose built for challenging environments such as a car wash including resistance to wide temperature ranges, vibrations, and airborne particulates.
The opportunities for leveraging AI in a car wash are vast. The key is to keep an open mind, focus on the problems you are trying to solve, and collaborate with partners to guide you on your journey. The future of the car wash is smarter, more efficient, and offers an enhanced experience, powered by AI.
“Keep your imagination open. Think about the challenges you're trying to solve and how AI is another tool that helps you get there.”
~Sara Mellinger, AI Implementation Strategist
Watch the full episode here.
