Google Cloud's new product Speech On-Device
enables AI-driven speech services on embedded devices regardless of
internet connectivity
Toyota to leverage vehicle-native Speech
On-Device in next-generation multimedia system
SUNNYVALE, Calif. and PLANO, Texas, Oct. 11,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota and Google Cloud today
announced an expanded partnership that brings together Toyota and
Lexus next-generation audio multimedia systems and Google Cloud's
AI-based speech services. Customers can now experience the first
results of the partnership in the latest generation Toyota Audio
Multimedia and Lexus Interface infotainment systems, including in
2023 models like the Toyota Corolla family, Tundra, Sequoia and
Lexus NX, RX and all-electric RZ.
With the growing popularity of voice assistants in everyday
life, consumers increasingly expect accurate and consistent voice
interactions.1 The machine learning
capabilities required to provide high-quality speech results have
traditionally relied on a connection to the cloud, as natural
language processing is extremely complex and can require
specialized computers.
Vehicles equipped with Toyota's latest-generation Automotive
Grade Linux-based Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface infotainment
systems already leverage Google Cloud's Speech-to-Text service to
accurately perform automatic speech recognition for in-vehicle
queries. Toyota's Voice Assistant, which leverages technology from
Google Cloud, was co-developed by Toyota Motor North America
Connected Technologies and Toyota Connected organizations since
2018. The partnership highlights the AI and machine learning
innovation brought forth in the latest Toyota and Lexus
infotainment systems.
The strength of the partnership announced today is that Toyota's
next-generation system will no longer require an internet
connection for natural-speech functions.
Driving Future Innovation Together
Expanding the collaboration between Toyota and Google Cloud, the
partnership aims to drive future innovation with the addition of
Speech On-Device–a new Google Cloud 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.
The future vehicle-native Speech On-Device will enable voice
requests to be served directly by 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 dead zone affecting voice commands.
"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 Steve Basra,
group vice president, Connected Technologies, Toyota Motor North
America, and CEO and president of Toyota Connected North America.
"We are excited to announce this next step in development for
in-vehicle voice AI, as it will bring even more benefits to Toyota
and Lexus drivers, including speed and ease of use."
Google's Speech On-Device Technology
Speech On-Device builds on innovations from Google Assistant and
Google Pixel that enable fully featured speech models–comparable in
quality to those hosted in the cloud–to run locally on small
devices at the edge with only a fraction of the model size and
computing requirements. The new product makes it possible for
Google Cloud customers to bring high-quality speech services to
disconnected environments, presenting new opportunities across a
variety of use cases, from cars to televisions and even kiosks.
"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," said Umesh Vemuri, VP,
Global Strategic Customers & Industries, Google Cloud.
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 nextgen Toyota Voice Assistant.
These technologies combined allow voice requests to be served
directly by vehicles' multimedia system processors, without the
need for internet connectivity, to power voice queries in select
vehicles.
Speech On-Device is available for select Google Cloud customers.
For pricing and availability, Google Cloud customers should contact
their sales representatives.
Additional Resources
- Keep up with the latest Google Cloud news on our newsroom and
blog.
- Learn more about the partnership and Speech On-Device in a
session with Toyota today at Next '22.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the
U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who
have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly
32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.
By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the
road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company's 2021 U.S.
sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based
fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education
hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance
to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The
hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and
curriculum through Toyota USA
Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more
information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Toyota Connected, Inc.
Based in Plano, Texas, Toyota
Connected North America (TCNA) was established in 2016 to drive
Toyota's global efforts for an intelligent mobile society. With big
data collected from vehicles and analyzed on a cloud platform,
Toyota Connected humanizes the driving experience by providing
customers secure, seamless and contextual services, elevating the
customer experience while benefiting dealers, distributors, and
partners. At the heart of TCNA is Toyota's belief in human-centered
mobility and a fundamental commitment to personal privacy.
About Google Cloud
Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to
digitally transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade
solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology – all on
the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200
countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted
partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business
problems.
1
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/library/consumer-intelligence-series/voice-assistants.html
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