Cerence, LG drive into AI-powered connected car platform

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology provider Cerence has signed a memorandum of understanding with LG Electronics (LG) to develop software that integrates LG’s webOS Auto in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system with Cerence’s AI Reference Kit (ARK).

LG’s webOS Auto is a Linux-powered IVI platform for connected cars designed to provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-one manufacturers with a next-generation in-vehicle experience. Cerence ARK is targeted at car makers that want to develop, deploy and manage a fully localised automotive voice assistant.

The companies say they aim to create and advance a more convenient in-car experience through voice commands, allowing drivers and passengers to have far more control over car functions, navigation and multimedia content.

The partnership is designed to deliver more efficient management of resources to integrate Cerence ARK with webOS Auto, giving OEMs and tier-one manufacturers a pre-packaged, full-stack IVI software system that will shorten the time to market, bring an immersive voice experience and rich content ecosystem to connected cars and improve the user experience inside the vehicle.

“We look forward to this collaboration with Cerence to develop a turnkey voice solution for today’s auto and component makers to accelerate the arrival of the connected car,” said IP Park, president and CTO of LG Electronics. “We will continue to evolve webOS Auto by offering a wider range of AI-powered experiences for both manufacturers and auto customers.”

Sanjay Dhawan, CEO of Cerence, added: “We are honoured and excited to partner with LG Electronics on a solution that harnesses the collective power and promise of webOS Auto and Cerence ARK. This new offering will support auto makers and tier-one suppliers as they rapidly innovate, speed the time to market and deliver a state-of-the-art in-car experience unlike any other.”