SKODA has completed successful trials of a new vehicle health diagnostic app that can listen for any problems through a smartphone app and give an instant diagnosis to technicians.

The artificial intelligence app - called the Skoda Sound Analyser - was designed and developed by the Czech car maler's in-house software team.

It allows technicians to quickly detect whether any service work is required. The system is so sensitive that it can recognise even the smallest irregularity in the engine sound and can suggest a range of service measures that might be needed.

The app program records noises made by the vehicle while it is running and compares them with stored sound patterns. In the event of any discrepancies, the app uses an algorithm to determine what they are and how they can be resolved.

To use it, a technician only needs to record the engine sound via a smartphone microphone. An algorithm then compares the recording with stored sound patterns and, based on this, provides a description of the result. The software is already able to recognise ten patterns - with an accuracy of over 90 per cent - including for components such as the steering system, the air conditioning compressor, and the clutches in the direct-shift gearbox.

The app is also set up to recognise other sound patterns and will be expanded to include other service items.

The app works by converting the audio file into a spectrogram that visually depicts the acoustic signals.

Using artificial intelligence, this representation is then compared with the stored recordings to identify deviations. The app then categorises the potential need for upcoming maintenance or repairs based on predetermined patterns.

The smartphone app has been trialled in 14 countries since June 2019.

A total of 245 Skoda dealers have been taking part in the pilot project. They have been instrumental in providing the audio recordings for the software's ‘learning process' and have directly contributed to the app's development.

Stanislav Pekar, Skoda's head of after sales, said: "Sound Analyser is a prime example of the new opportunities digitalisation at ŠKODA can create, even in terms of after sales. 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."