Skip to main content

Nuance to display latest A.I.-based features for car connectivity at CES

nuance displays ai for smart cars at ces chevrolet infotainment
Chevrolet
Software developer Nuance announced it will be showcasing some new artificial intelligence (A.I.-powered) capabilities for its latest Dragon Drive automotive platform. Basically, the company is working on a new software universe that focuses to “transform the automotive experience,” by introducing a new range of smart home and in-car infotainment integration, and other virtual assistants. The company was just awarded the CES 2018 Innovation Award.

Dragon Drive is essentially Nuance’s vision for a unified smart home, smart car, and smartphone integration that allows users to have far more immersive connectivity when driving around. The idea is to use A.I. to offer drivers and passengers more personalized experiences.

Nuance’s systems are already found on more than 200 million cars on the road today, spanning 40 languages, in known brands like Audi, BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai, SAIC, and plenty more.

For instance, Dragon Drive has adaptive capabilities where it “learns” the preferences of individuals by habits. Thus, it adjusts settings for in-car functions like the entertainment system, the sat-nav and points of interest, live news feeds, and other in-car functions like heating and air conditioning. It also offers multi-passenger interaction by utilizing voice biometrics and advanced audio processing to recognize different passengers. So when one occupant expresses discomfort in saying the interior is too hot or too cold, Dragon Drive will adjust their climate control individually to compensate, without affecting any of the other occupants — as long as multi-zone climate control is equipped in the vehicle.

So if you’re familiar with the convenience and memory saving capabilities for drivers and individual occupants found in vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, you can thank Nuance for such features. It can adjust many parameters of the car by habit and use, and saves the preferences according to whoever’s driving.

Nuance’s latest systems specifically boast the use of A.I., which is said to offer a new and unprecedented level of personalization.For example, Dragon Drive offers “gaze detection,” which allows drivers to interact and gain information on places outside the car just by looking at them.

Drive by a restaurant that just opened a few towns over? The Dragon Drive system will detect your interest and inform you accordingly on your integrated smart network.

Dragon Drive also functions as a personal assistant, offering drivers up-to-date information regarding their car ownership. Need to check on the status of your car lease or utility bills at home? No need to be in front of a computer, tablet, or smartphone, as Dragon Drive provides such information wherever you go, so that you’re always in the know.

“The car is quickly rising to become the leading A.I. platform, especially with the future of connected and autonomous vehicles upon us,” said Arnd Weil, senior vice president, automotive, Nuance Mobile. “Utilizing a combination of conversational A.I. with in-car sensors and data, we’re able to create greater awareness, understanding, and ultimately intelligence for the automotive assistant, creating a truly holistic and seamless user experience for drivers.”

Nuance will be displaying its latest developments in a fitted Chrysler Pacifica at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Editors' Recommendations

Chris Chin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew his passion for automobiles was embedded into his soul. Based in…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more