Autonomous vehicles and Quality 5.0: a conceptual paper on the role of artificial intelligence providers

Purpose AI-based autonomous vehicles (AVs) are a promising Industry 5.0 solution, but their diffusion is limited due to shared concerns that quality management can help to overcome. Quality 5.0 is a new approach in the literature that ensures respect for human and environmental safeguards, as well as for societal and industrial development. The novelty of this concept warrants further research. This work conceptualizes the promotion of Quality 5.0 in the AVs industry by presenting it from an often under-investigated perspective: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) providers. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper outlines the main actions by which AI providers can be Quality 5.0 enablers in the AVs industry. By integrating current literature on smart mobility, AI, AVs and Quality 5.0, this study provides theoretical propositions and a conceptual framework. Then it presents an illustrative case of an existing AI provider market leader. Findings AI providers within AVs industry enable Quality 5.0 by developing technical subsystems that support Quality 5.0 components, adopting a holistic approach to data infrastructure management, leveraging generative physical AI and building a network around it. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current debate on Quality 5.0 by presenting an underexplored perspective on quality management and the AI-based AVs industry: the AI provider's role as enabler of Quality 5.0.