AI for the Cockpit by Conti and Google

Continental has announced a partnership with Google Cloud. Together, the two companies are bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into the car. Continental is thereby one of the first automotive suppliers to integrate Google Cloud applications directly into vehicle computers. With their help, drivers can engage in a natural dialogue with their vehicles. For example, they can ask for the correct tire pressure for the vehicle when fully loaded or inquire about tourist attractions along the route or at the destination during a vacation. The underlying generative AI compiles the required information and can answer the drivers' questions. The two companies each bring their expertise in the fields of automotive, software, AI, and cloud computing into the partnership.

"Together with Google, we are bringing artificial intelligence into the vehicle cockpit and creating an intuitive user experience for drivers. Based on our Smart Cockpit high-performance computer, series maturity is possible in just 18 months of development time. Thus, our vision of the software-defined vehicle is beginning to become a reality," explains Philipp von Hirschheydt, Continental board member and head of the Automotive division.

The vehicle becomes smarter

With generative artificial intelligence, Continental and Google Cloud aim to enable an intuitive user experience in the vehicle. Thanks to Google Cloud's AI-based system, users can engage in a dialogue with their vehicle. By simply using voice commands, they can, for example, ask for information about hotels or attractions along their route and much more. Thus, Google's generative AI compiles detailed information in real-time when asked about a specific historic building nearby and can present it like an audio guide in a museum. Drivers can also ask follow-up questions without needing to repeat the context. The dialogue system understands and interprets the context correctly.

Conti Provides Vehicle Parameters

In doing so, Continental ensures that information also flows directly from the vehicle into the dialogue. For example, if the driver wants to know where the USB charging port for the phone is located in the vehicle or what the tire pressure should be when the vehicle is fully loaded, the dialogue system provides assistance from the vehicle's operating manual. Google's Cloud generative artificial intelligence also allows the system to continuously learn. It can create new content and adapt to the preferences of users.

“We are excited about the partnership with Continental,” says Daniel Holz, Vice President North EMEA at Google Cloud. “We combine our expertise in software, AI, and cloud computing with Continental's comprehensive knowledge of the automotive industry. Together, we can create a new generation of digital vehicle solutions for greater comfort and safety for passengers.”