A new smartphone app devised by Skoda can tell drivers if their car is in need of a service, by listening to the noise of the engine.

The ‘Sound Analyser’ uses artificial intelligence to record noises made by the vehicle while the engine is running and compare the sounds against those stored in the app’s memory. The app can learn to recognise discrepancies and may even be able to identify what the problem with the car might be.

Produced by Skoda’s DigiLab, it is thought the app could reduce the time a car spends in the garage by recognising problems early.

“Sound Analyser is a prime example of the new opportunities digitalisation at ŠKODA can create, even in terms of after sales,” said Stanislav Pekar from Skoda. “We will continue to consistently use artificial intelligence technologies to offer our customers an even more personalised service, thus enhancing the customer experience even further.”

The Sound Analyser app comes pre-loaded with ten patterns and could be used to identify problems with the steering system, the air conditioning and the clutches in the gearbox.

Klaus Blüm, Head of ŠKODA IT, added, “At ŠKODA, we are consistently looking to comprehensively digitalise processes, products and services for our customers along the entire value chain. In order to be able to recognise the potential of innovations early on, develop them quickly and use them intelligently, we are continuously coordinating with the specialist departments to jointly implement new digitalisation projects.”

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