Garages will change almost beyond recognition over the next 30 years according to industry experts.
A CGI mock-up vision for the garage of the future has been created after research revealed six in ten people think mechanics is “not for them”.
The study of more than 2,000 British adults by Direct Line found that 59 per cent would dismiss working in a garage, while just a quarter (26 per cent) of respondents would consider taking a job in vehicle maintenance.
The research also suggests an industry diversity issue too as that number falls to just 19 per cent for women.
Working with safety researchers Thatcham Research, smart city innovators DG Cities and the Women’s Engineering Society, the insurance company has produced a list of future innovations, then put them into an artist’s impression of how the industry will look in 2050.
The experts predict widespread use of holographic and augmented reality technology, as well as advanced robotics to manoeuvre cars and 3D printing of parts to save time and money.
The panel of experts also depict a very different work environment from today’s garages, with ultra-connected workshops.
Felicity Harer, motor network technology specialist at Direct Line, said: “At Direct Line Group we’re constantly looking at the changing landscape and technological advancements in the automotive industry to ensure that our garages are the best they possibly can be, both for our employees and our customers.
“It’s really exciting to think that holographic and AR technology, advanced 3D printing, and connected vehicles that allow mechanics to find the route of a problem quickly, will begin to become a reality.
“We hope this glimpse of the future shows young people in particular the variety of careers that are evolving in engineering, and that it will encourage people from a wide variety of backgrounds to consider a career in this sector.
“With innovations like driverless cars within touching distance there is a huge space for people to work in and shape the way repairs are performed on these vehicles and the technology needed to do so.”
Elizabeth Donnelly, the CEO of the Women’s Engineering Society, said: “It is fantastic that strides in technology have been made in repair garages, however, in order to make the automotive engineering sector more diverse and encourage more women to consider it as a viable career option, we must ensure that this starts with education from an early age.
“Curriculum traditionally tends to teach children about gendered careers from foundation level, which is perhaps why there are so few women in engineering.
“We hope through education and the exciting developments within the industry we can promote engineering as an exciting profession for all members of society.”
How do you think the garage of the future will look and what should be done to attract more people into the industry? Share your comments below.
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