Drivers can effortlessly navigate, locate stops and control vehicle systems with just one interaction.
TomTom, a leading location technology company, has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to bring generative artificial intelligence (AI) to the global automotive industry. This partnership has yielded a state-of-the-art, AI-driven conversational automotive assistant, enhancing the driver’s interaction with their vehicle’s infotainment and command systems.
AI-driven automotive assistant: A leap in-vehicle technology
This innovative assistant, powered by Microsoft’s AI advancements, allows drivers to engage in natural conversations with their vehicles. It can perform tasks like navigating to a specific location, identifying stops along a route and controlling various onboard systems, including temperature adjustment, window operation and radio settings through voice commands.
The assistant utilizes Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, along with other Azure services like Kubernetes Services, Cosmos DB and Cognitive Services, to leverage the power of large language models (LLMs). It is designed to integrate seamlessly into automotive infotainment systems, providing carmakers with a customizable interface that maintains their brand identity and enhances the driver experience. Additionally, this technology is a part of TomTom’s Digital Cockpit, an innovative in-vehicle infotainment platform.
Mike Schoofs, the Chief Revenue Officer at TomTom, and Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft, have both emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration.
“With both companies integrating what they do best into one solution, we’re transforming the in-vehicle experience, enabling drivers to ask their car for anything and trust it will deliver,” Schoofs added.
“We’re building on our longstanding collaboration with TomTom and bringing together AI advances across the Microsoft Cloud with TomTom’s automotive expertise to provide drivers and carmakers with new AI-powered tools. This integration will enable OEMs to offer highly differentiated and unique cockpit experiences while preserving their unique brand identity,” Wee remarked.
A growing partnership and its wider implications
This collaboration builds on the existing relationship between TomTom and Microsoft, which began in 2016 with TomTom enhancing Azure Maps. The partnership has since expanded to include mapping data and services for Microsoft’s maps. The current focus on generative AI-powered automotive solutions and the development of an in-vehicle digital cockpit and infotainment solution with cloud analytics marks a significant step forward in their joint efforts.
Generative AI in the automotive realm: Earlier endeavors
This collaboration isn’t the first of its kind in the automotive sector. In June 2023, Mercedes, the renowned German manufacturer, began beta-testing ChatGPT as a voice assistant in its U.S.-based vehicles. By leveraging generative AI technology, Mercedes aims to improve voice command functionality within their cars, demonstrating the growing trend of AI integration in the automotive industry.
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Header Image Courtesy of Pexels
Press release link: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/12/19/2798240/0/en/TomTom-joins-forces-with-Microsoft-to-bring-Generative-AI-into-the-vehicle.html
