A Place in his Heart for Computers and Cars
Ever since he was a child, Jicheng Gong has had a passion for cars – especially race cars. Formula 1 has always been his favorite. Accordingly, the FutureStarter realized early on that a job in the automotive industry was his dream, preferably one as an engineer or designer.
So after leaving school, he decided to study engineering in his hometown of Shanghai. “At that time, however, China was not yet competitive with other markets in the automotive sector,” Jicheng recalled. His plans gradually changed. During a stay abroad in Texas, he learned about the potential the digital world has in the development of new vehicles.
FutureStarter Jicheng Gong works as an AI algorithm engineer for ZF in Shanghai.
A Dream job by Chance
When he returned to Shanghai to continue to develop his career, he changed his field of study from engineering to computer science. After graduating, his first job was working for a startup that developed automated cargo trucks for ports.
A former colleague who was working for ZF told him that the Shanghai branch of the company was looking for experts for a unit with a strong focus on intelligent driving systems. This job was at a company that also enjoyed an excellent reputation as an automotive supplier in China. It sounded promising!
Improved Chassis Thanks to AI
Jicheng applied and one thing led to another. Today, he works as an AI algorithm engineer for ZF in Shanghai. His main responsibility is to develop advanced AI technologies for intelligent vehicle systems. For example, he’s currently working on a project in which AI is helping to design more advanced vehicle chassis.
The man who also takes to the go-kart track or racing simulator in his spare time sees himself as a FutureStarter because he’s helping to bring solutions and products to the market that make mobility safer and more comfortable.
“So cool!”
“I’m very proud to be involved in projects that set industry standards,” Jicheng said. As an enthusiastic fan of racing, he still finds it exciting to work for a company that develops components for race cars. “So cool!” is how he summed it up.
So when he was given the opportunity to attend the very first Formula E race at the Shanghai International Circuit on behalf of ZF and film an episode of the “On Your Marks” video series, Jicheng was delighted. In the video, the AI algorithm engineer also gives a tour of his hometown to show the role Shanghai plays in the context of technological innovation.
