Bentley introduces AI-powered hide inspection for sustainable interiors

Bentley unveils AI technology to inspect leather hides, reducing CO₂ emissions and waste while enhancing luxury car interior quality. Learn more now.

In a move that fuses heritage with cutting-edge technology, Bentley has introduced an AI-powered Hide Inspection system at its Dream Factory in Crewe, as part of the company’s forward-thinking Beyond100+ strategy. The innovation promises not only elevated craftsmanship but also a decisive step toward a more sustainable future for luxury automotive interiors.

Each Bentley cabin is synonymous with supreme quality, often requiring up to nine leather hides for a single Bentayga. Natural leather, however, bears imperfections—from insect bites to scars—that traditionally had to be detected manually. Bentley’s new system replaces this painstaking process with AI and camera technology capable of identifying flaws invisible to the human eye.

According to Bentley, this pioneering method reduces CO₂ emissions by 135.7 kg per car and allows for faster, more efficient processing. Multiple hides can be inspected simultaneously, helping to optimize material use across over 200 individual trim components.

This marks the first deployment of such technology within the Volkswagen Group. Yet Bentley makes it clear: craftsmanship remains at the heart of its identity. While AI automates inspection, the intricate final touches—the hallmark of a Bentley interior—are still performed by skilled artisans.

Although there is no confirmed plan to extend this technology to other materials or group facilities, Bentley’s broader Beyond100+ roadmap includes a fully electric lineup by 2035 and significant reductions in environmental impact across its Crewe operations. The AI Hide Inspection system represents a crucial milestone in this transition—one where digital precision and human artistry coexist in perfect harmony.

Source: bentleymedia.com