
At INFINITI, design is more than just a process, it’s a philosophy. It’s a journey of artistry and innovation, evolving with every new challenge and every emerging technology. Now, INFINITI is stepping boldly into the future by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its creative process, forging a powerful partnership between cutting-edge technology and timeless human craftsmanship.
For INFINITI’s digital sculptor Kenji Yamauchi and the entire design team, AI isn’t a replacement for traditional methods, it’s a tool that amplifies creativity. While clay modeling and hand-drawn sketches still form the backbone of the design process, AI opens the door to exploring new ideas at a speed and scale never before possible.
“The biggest change with the integration of AI into our design process is the number of possibilities we can study,” Yamauchi explains. “In clay, we can only produce one model at a time. With generative AI, we can explore multiple ideas at once, compare them side by side, and make more informed decisions.”
AI-enhanced sketches provide a deeper layer of inspiration, generating new interpretations and directions that expand the creative palette. But the process remains intentional. “Design is a form of artistry,” Yamauchi says. “There’s no end to the pursuit of beauty and perfection.”
Despite the capabilities of AI, INFINITI is committed to keeping the final creative decisions in human hands. “AI can do a lot,” Yamauchi notes, “but it’s not a magic solution. Sometimes it gets things wrong. That’s where human experience, instinct, and oversight are critical.” For Yamauchi, nothing replaces the tactile precision of clay. “Touch, feel, and spatial modeling can only be realized through physical shaping. That’s where the soul of the design emerges.”
AI is also transforming how INFINITI’s design teams collaborate. From ideation to modeling to feedback, workflows have become more dynamic and fluid. “AI brings us closer together as a team,” says Yamauchi. “It allows me to contribute across more areas of the design process, and that broader collaboration leads to better results.”
With each team member bringing specialized expertise, AI acts as a common thread—enhancing creativity without compromising individuality. “It’s not about replacing roles,” Yamauchi emphasizes. “It’s about making every contribution more impactful.”
With every curve, line, and detail, INFINITI continues to embody Artistry in Motion — creating vehicles that move people not just physically, but emotionally. As AI becomes a trusted partner in the studio, the future of automotive luxury has never looked more inspired.
