Disruptive Technologies Through the Lens of Applications in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is one of the industries where disruptive technologies are most applied, from product research and development, design, and manufacturing to sales and after-sales services. The market for electric and autonomous vehicles is constantly growing, and automotive companies in the digital transformation process to achieve success have partnered with technology companies to develop virtual factories and deploy the metaverse. This paper explores the applications of various technologies in the automotive industry, including AI/ML, Big Data and Analytics, Cloud Computing and Cloud Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Cyber safety, additive manufacturing (3D printing), VR/AR, and Digital Twins. Also, the benefits of using these technologies and the implementation challenges associated with each of them are identified. The empirical part of this research aimed to determine the extent to which automotive companies in Serbia use modern technologies. For these purposes, a survey questionnaire was used. The study identified the level of technology implementation and the effects of implementation on the operational and financial performance of the company, as well as the performance of employees. In addition, the research highlighted challenges in implementing these technologies and determined the current level of digital investments in these companies. Additionally, research also examined whether and how parent companies support the digital transformation of these companies in the Republic of Serbia.