TomTom has joined forces with Microsoft to bring generative AI to the automotive industry. 

This collaboration has resulted in the development of a fully-integrated AI-powered conversational assistant that enhances voice interaction with infotainment, location search, and vehicle command systems.

The AI-powered assistant – a product of TomTom’s expertise combined with Microsoft’s advancements in AI – allows drivers to engage in natural conversations with their vehicles. Drivers can seamlessly instruct the assistant to navigate to specific locations, identify stops along their route, and verbally control onboard systems. With a single interaction, drivers can adjust the temperature, open windows, or change radio stations.

The solution leverages Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, incorporating large language models, along with Azure Kubernetes Services, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Cognitive Services.

TomTom says the voice assistant can be seamlessly integrated into various automotive infotainment systems, allowing manufacturers to expedite time-to-market on a customisable interface while maintaining ownership of their brand and driver experience. TomTom’s Digital Cockpit – an open, modular in-vehicle infotainment platform – also features the new assistant.

“Together with Microsoft, our shared vision is to drive innovation with generative AI and provide our customers with even better solutions,” says Mike Schoofs, Chief Revenue Officer at TomTom.

“Leveraging our navigation and technology expertise, we’re creating a groundbreaking new way for people to interact with their vehicles. 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.”

This collaboration marks a significant evolution in the partnership between TomTom and Microsoft, which began in 2016 with TomTom powering Azure Maps location services. The companies expanded their collaboration to mapping data and services for Microsoft’s first-party maps.

The new focus for TomTom and Microsoft’s partnership is to drive innovation in generative AI-powered automotive solutions and the creation of powerful in-vehicle digital cockpit and infotainment solutions with cloud analytics.

“With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation across the entire automotive sector,” explains Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft.

“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.”

See also: Fleet management systems in Australia and New Zealand to exceed 2.4M by 2027

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Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, assistant, automotive, connected cars, connected vehicles, digital cockpit, genai, generative ai, microsoft, tomtom