COMMENT How intelligent actuators and edge AI


are transforming vehicle technology When most people think about artificial intelligence (AI) in cars, they often picture self-driving vehicles or voice assistants. But AI is quietly reshaping much more than just those headline features. It’s becoming deeply embedded in the vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems, changing how cars operate on a fundamental level—from the moment you open the door to the way the car performs.


The hidden backbone of modern vehicles


At the heart of today’s vehicles lies a complex network of electronic components that work together to deliver a smooth, safe and personalised driving experience. Vehicle intelligence operates across three interconnected levels. At the vehicle’s endpoints—doors, seats, windows, lighting— microcontrollers (MCUs) process sensor data and control actuators in real time with ultra-low latency. Then, more powerful microprocessors (MPUs) and graphics processors (GPUs) manage complex tasks like image recognition and advanced driver assistance. Finally, cloud-based data centres analyse vast amounts of data to support remote diagnostics and fleet management. STMicroelectronics (ST) is a leader in embedding AI directly into MCUs at the sensor-actuator level, enabling the real-time, safety-critical decisions that are essential for a seamless and secure driving experience. Edge AI can be deployed on two hardware classes offering different power consumption levels and performance capabilities. Microcontrollers and sensors enable tiny edge AI on highly resource- constrained devices, while microprocessors and application processors can deploy more advanced AI applications at the edge. ST has been investing in tiny edge AI for over a decade, making it a reality for customers around the globe.


The complexity behind everyday actions


Consider the simple act of opening a car door. It involves ultra-wideband sensors detecting the key nearby, MCUs processing this information and actuators unlocking the door, unfolding mirrors, turning on lights and adjusting climate and infotainment settings - all personalised for the driver. This coordinated sequence highlights the intricate,


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decentralised intelligence woven throughout the vehicle. Each vehicle contains many such “endpoints” spread across doors, roof, trunk, lighting and more, all communicating and working together in real time.


Addressing growing complexity with zonal architectures


As vehicles become more connected and feature-rich, their electronic systems grow increasingly complex. Traditional vehicles organised these electronics by function—one system for powertrain, another for steering, another for door control. Each operated independently, creating a tangle of wiring and communication challenges. To manage this, the automotive industry is shifting to zonal architectures. This new approach divides the vehicle into physical e.g. front, rear, left, right, each managed by powerful multi-core MCUs now capable of running new or more efficient AI functions.


Zonal architecture reduces wiring complexity and weight, speeds up data processing, simplify software management, and enables faster, smarter decision-making. Central to this transformation is Ethernet technology, which provides the high-speed, flexible communication backbone needed for modern vehicles. ST integrates multiple Ethernet ports and embedded switches directly into its MCUs, helping car makers build scalable, modular systems ready for the future.


Real-world AI applications improving vehicles today


ST’s AI solutions are already making a difference in many areas. For example, AI models monitor battery vent cooling systems to distinguish normal operation from anomalies, blockages, enhancing safety. Adaptive control algorithms fine-tune HVAC systems and electric motor performance to improve comfort and efficiency. Virtual


JULY/AUGUST 2026 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


sensors estimate temperatures inside motors or batteries without needing extra hardware, reducing costs and increasing reliability. Sensor fusion combines data from multiple sensors to improve occupant detection and gesture recognition. Predictive maintenance forecasts component wear to minimise downtime. Safety-critical features like smart anti-pinch window control use AI to detect obstructions and prevent injuries, while simplifying the hardware systems. Finally, AI-driven energy management enhances battery charging and powertrain efficiency, optimising charging and extending vehicle range.


Shaping the future of mobility ST envisions a future where AI not only revolutionises driving but also improves safety and enhances the entire vehicle experience sustainably. By combining advanced hardware, a rich software ecosystem, a growing network of automotive partners and deep industry expertise, ST is a trusted partner for automotive manufacturers helping drive the transition to intelligent, connected and autonomous vehicles. For car makers and suppliers, embracing edge AI with ST means accelerating innovation, improving safety and delivering the seamless, personalised vehicle experiences that drivers expect—today and into the future.


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