TomTom and Microsoft to Bring Generative Artificial Intelligence into Cars

Generative AI is known for its impressive advanced capabilities and the various issues it raises. So, is it a good choice to apply this emerging technology to driving? TomTom and Microsoft have announced a collaboration to develop a "fully integrated" AI driving assistant that could be installed in your next car.

TomTom was a well-known name in GPS navigation in its early days. With the popularity of GPS navigation on smartphones and car hosts, its importance has been greatly diminished. Nevertheless, the company possesses a large amount of driving data, which has become more valuable in the context of rapid development of generative AI. After all, large language models require a significant amount of data.

The collaboration with Microsoft allows TomTom to utilize the latest OpenAI language model as well as Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure. Its goal is to integrate AI with its digital cockpit platform, which it hopes to sell to car manufacturers. TomTom hasn't had much luck in getting companies to license its technology, but the new AI may be of assistance.

TomTom states that it believes this AI will be more powerful than assistants built into smartphones. It will allow drivers to naturally converse to obtain directions and find locations. A well-designed chatbot may be more convenient than Google Assistant or Apple Siri. As an integral part of the vehicle, TomTom's AI will also be more powerful. Smartphone-based systems like Android Auto and CarPlay cannot access the onboard system, but TomTom's AI theoretically can provide directions, adjust the air conditioning, and raise the windows on its own.

Is all of this really a good idea? We will see the application of TomTom AI at the Consumer Electronics Show in a few weeks. We have already seen the next generation of AI robots engage in in-depth written conversations, but due to AI response processing time, voice interactions are still rare. TomTom is not the first to patch generative AI into cars. Earlier this year, Mercedes introduced a short-term test of ChatGPT voice-controlled in its vehicles.