TomTom, in collaboration with Microsoft, has announced a new AI-powered conversational automotive assistant. This generative AI assistant will soon be integrated into dashboard infotainment platforms.
Tom Tom has partnered with Microsoft to create an AI assistant. This assistant utilises OpenAI‘s language models as well as Microsoft products like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Cognitive Services.The company claims that the AI will provide more advanced voice interaction, enabling users to converse naturally while driving. It will help users navigate, find stops along their route, control onboard systems, open windows, and perform other driving-related tasks.
In October, TomTom’s finance chief, Taco Titulaer, informed Reuters that the company was investing resources into generative AI, identifying new opportunities in the field.
This voice assistant will integrate with various interfaces provided by major automobile manufacturers, while ensuring that the branding of the auto company is maintained. So, it could begin appearing in cars from a wide range of manufacturers, although no definitive partnerships with any known vehicle manufacturers have been announced. Nonetheless, the technology will be integrated into TomTom’s proprietary Digital Cockpit – an open and modular in-vehicle infotainment platform.
TomTom had previously launched an LLM plug-in in July for ChatGPT that enables the chatbot’s users to plan trips and explore new destinations using the company’s maps.
Mercedes, too, had partnered with Microsoft earlier, introducing a beta program in June that used ChatGPT models in some vehicles, powered by Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service.