SoundHound AI, which specializes in voice artificial intelligence (AI), has announced that its voice assistant with built-in ChatGPT is the first to be integrated into vehicles in Japan when it launched in Stellantis DS Automobiles this month.
The SoundHound Chat AI Automotive technology was the world’s first in-vehicle voice assistant with integrated generative AI when it debuted in April 2023. In early March 2024, DS Automobiles became the first automaker to commence full production with SoundHound Chat AI, launching it in 13 languages across 18 countries. Renamed Iris by DS Automobiles, this voice AI assistant is able to respond to a wide range of queries spanning hundreds of real-time domains, powered by models like ChatGPT.
Drivers and passengers can use Iris for hands-free voice control, accessing a wide range of information and updates such as trip planning, sunroof operation, sports scores, phone calls and parking details at their destination.
According to SoundHound, the platform can be integrated with any third-party generative AI model to offer a seamless conversational experience, achieved through technology that intelligently selects the appropriate response from the most suitable domain, whether it’s a ChatGPT-powered answer or responses beyond the capabilities of large language models (LLMs).
This approach involves using software engineering technology named CaiLAN (Conversational AI Language) and machine learning technology named CaiNet (Conversational AI Network) for quick and accurate responses. CaiLAN constructs knowledge domains like weather, restaurants, traffic and local search, while CaiNet employs machine learning to comprehend queries and provide accurate responses. CaiNET can connect to both SoundHound’s internal models and external models like OpenAI’s GPT. CaiLAN oversees and arbitrates the results to deliver optimal responses to users.
Mike Zagorsek, COO of SoundHound AI, said, “We are excited to see our advanced voice AI enter the Japanese market. This technology is the first of its kind to go into production. That’s because innovative automotive brands like DS Automobiles continue to demonstrate a commitment to building the vehicle experience of the future.”
