Skoda app diagnoses faults by listening to engine noise

Dubbed the Skoda Sound Analyser, the AI based app is claimed to be 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 technology works by recording noises made by the vehicle while it is running and converting this audio file into a spectrogram that visually depicts the acoustic signals. This representation is then compared the stored recordings to identify deviations. In the event of any discrepancies, the app uses an algorithm to determine what they are and how they can be resolved.

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According to Skoda, 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 (DSG).