AI-Powered Hide Inspection to Elevate Luxury and Sustainability
Photo: Bentley Motors
Bentley Motors has unveiled a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation designed to redefine leather craftsmanship and sustainability across its world-renowned vehicle interiors. The British marque’s newly launched AI-powered Hide Inspection system forms a key milestone in its ambitious Beyond100+ strategy, aiming to set new standards in both luxury and environmental responsibility.
Located at the company’s Dream Factory in Crewe, the revolutionary system utilizes cutting-edge camera technology and machine learning algorithms to scan natural hides for imperfections such as insect bites, scars, or holes — many of which are invisible to the naked eye. By automating this previously manual and time-intensive process, Bentley is optimizing leather usage, reducing waste, and enhancing quality.
Each Bentayga SUV interior, for instance, requires approximately nine hides. With this advanced technology, Bentley expects to significantly reduce emissions — cutting up to 135.7 kg of CO₂ per vehicle — by selecting only the highest-quality leather and minimizing discarded material.
Despite the high-tech nature of this system, Bentley emphasizes that it does not replace the traditional craftsmanship that defines its interiors. Rather, it ensures artisans receive the finest cuts of leather, allowing them to focus on intricate hand-sewn detailing — the signature element of a Bentley cabin.
“Our car interiors are crafted from the finest natural leather,” said Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing. “The investment in this pioneering technology further enhances sustainability and showcases how innovation and craftsmanship can work hand-in-hand.”
As part of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley becomes the first within the conglomerate to adopt this technology, setting a precedent for future manufacturing across the industry. The system also enables faster and more efficient processing by scanning multiple hides simultaneously, supporting production of over 200 unique trim parts per car.
This AI development is one of several initiatives from Bentley’s Dream Factory, which is driving the company’s transition to a fully electric and zero-impact production future by 2035. As Bentley prepares for the release of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), this blend of digital precision and artisanal heritage exemplifies its commitment to crafting the luxury cars of tomorrow.
Bentley Motors has unveiled a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation designed to redefine leather craftsmanship and sustainability across its world-renowned vehicle interiors. The British marque’s newly launched AI-powered Hide Inspection system forms a key milestone in its ambitious Beyond100+ strategy, aiming to set new standards in both luxury and environmental responsibility.
Located at the company’s Dream Factory in Crewe, the revolutionary system utilizes cutting-edge camera technology and machine learning algorithms to scan natural hides for imperfections such as insect bites, scars, or holes — many of which are invisible to the naked eye. By automating this previously manual and time-intensive process, Bentley is optimizing leather usage, reducing waste, and enhancing quality.
Each Bentayga SUV interior, for instance, requires approximately nine hides. With this advanced technology, Bentley expects to significantly reduce emissions — cutting up to 135.7 kg of CO₂ per vehicle — by selecting only the highest-quality leather and minimizing discarded material.
Despite the high-tech nature of this system, Bentley emphasizes that it does not replace the traditional craftsmanship that defines its interiors. Rather, it ensures artisans receive the finest cuts of leather, allowing them to focus on intricate hand-sewn detailing — the signature element of a Bentley cabin.
“Our car interiors are crafted from the finest natural leather,” said Andreas Lehe, Member of the Board for Manufacturing. “The investment in this pioneering technology further enhances sustainability and showcases how innovation and craftsmanship can work hand-in-hand.”
As part of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley becomes the first within the conglomerate to adopt this technology, setting a precedent for future manufacturing across the industry. The system also enables faster and more efficient processing by scanning multiple hides simultaneously, supporting production of over 200 unique trim parts per car.
This AI development is one of several initiatives from Bentley’s Dream Factory, which is driving the company’s transition to a fully electric and zero-impact production future by 2035. As Bentley prepares for the release of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), this blend of digital precision and artisanal heritage exemplifies its commitment to crafting the luxury cars of tomorrow.
