Toyota expands partnership with Google Cloud, eyes AI-powered speech services

Toyota announced that it has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud.

The partnership, said the automotive brand, seeks to drive future innovation with the addition of Speech On-Device — a new Google Cloud artificial intelligence (AI) product that equips embedded devices with the same powerful, AI-based speech recognition and synthesis available in the cloud, regardless of internet connectivity — to future Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

What this means is that Toyota’s next-generation system will no longer require an internet connection for natural-speech functions — a process that has traditionally relied on a connection to the cloud, as natural language processing is extremely complex and can require specialized computers.

“Today’s announcement represents refinement that comes with years of collaboration between Toyota and Google Cloud to perfect how our technologies work with one another,” said Toyota Connected North America President and Chief Executive (CEO) Steve Basra.

The future vehicle-native Speech On-Device will enable voice requests to be served directly by the vehicles’ multimedia system processors, without the need for internet connectivity, to power voice queries in select vehicles. Now, with voice interactions served locally instead of by the cloud, drivers will not have to worry about a tunnel or a dead zone affecting voice commands.

“By working closely with Toyota to understand its in-vehicle device requirements and capabilities, we were able to provide server-like quality while using only a small fraction of the processing power to ensure the best possible experience for drivers,” commented Google Cloud Global Strategic Customers and Industries Vice President (VP) Umesh Vemuri.

With Toyota’s next-generation multimedia system in development upon the brand’s native platform, vehicle-embedded Speech On-Device will be used as a component of the next-generation Toyota Voice Assistant. These technologies combined allow voice requests to be served directly by the vehicles’ multimedia system processors, without the need for internet connectivity, to power voice queries in select vehicles.

Photos from Toyota

Also read: 

Toyota global production target unchanged amid planned suspension in Oct.

Toyota PH rebrands used vehicle program

Toyota Mobility Solutions to offer support system of products and services for businesses and individuals