Continental, Google Cloud Make Talking Cars a Reality

Continental has announced plans to integrate Google Cloud into its vehicle cockpit system.

The automotive parts supplier confirmed the tie-up at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany.

And the partnership promises to open up a whole new cabin experience for vehicle owners, allowing them to interact with their cars in what the companies say will be a “natural dialogue.”

Google Cloud’s artificial intelligence-powered system will be integrated into Continental’s Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer (HPC) solution, where it will enable the car to talk with drivers on whatever subject they want.

This could stretch from specific details on the vehicle – for example, what the correct tire pressures should be – to advice about places of interest en route to their destination.

Regardless of topic, the Google tech will amass the relevant information, and relay it to occupants of the car “like an audio guide in a museum.”

As Google Cloud’s conversational generative AI can interpret context, the driver will also be able to seamlessly ask follow-up questions. Additionally, the AI will constantly learn and create new content, adapting to user preferences.

By adding the Google tech, Continental is hoping to increase the appeal of its Smart Cockpit HPC for car manufacturers. Smart Cockpit HPC covers a wide degree of functionality, including instrumentation, entertainment and driver assistance, which helps to reduce development times and costs for automakers.

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HPC is already in Volkswagen’s range of ID electric cars and Continental says that by the end of this year, 30 vehicle models from different manufacturers will all be equipped with the tech.

“Together with Google, we are bringing artificial intelligence to the vehicle cockpit and are creating an intuitive experience for drivers,” said Philipp von Hirschheydt, head of Continental Automotive.

“Based on our Smart Cockpit High-Performance Computer, we expect our solution to be ready for production within just 18 months’ development time. This is how our vision of software-defined vehicles starts to become a reality.”

Continental’s integration of Google Cloud is merely the first step in a strategic partnership that the companies say will bring more innovation to vehicles of the future. 

“This partnership will enable us to bring our expertise in software, AI, and cloud computing to the automotive industry,” said Daniel Holz, of Google Cloud. “Together, we can create a new generation of connected automotive solutions that are not just convenient but help deliver more safety and better travel experience for passengers.”