iNAGO and ABC Technologies Partner to Create an Interactive and Intelligent In-Car Assistant

The government of Ontario's Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) program is funding research by iNAGO and ABC Technologies to create a voice-enabled assistant for cars. The goal is that the next generation of automotive assistant platforms will allow automakers to create their own intelligent assistants that deliver services and are fully knowledgeable about the functionality of the vehicle. The assistant would use artificial intelligence to personalize the experience for each unique user and allow occupants to speak naturally to interact with the vehicle's information and control, internet content, and services, and manufacturer-specific services.

During development iNAGO realized that although a conversational assistant provides a safer and simpler experience, it also needs to be deeply integrated into the vehicle functionality and go beyond the traditional display to provide a holistic and complete experience.

"Most development teams are either focused on the physical cockpit or infotainment unit, but the next generation will be an integrated ecosystem of the hardware, software, and physical components working together to interact with users in the car," said Ron DiCarlantonio, founder and CEO of iNAGO, in a statement. "And that will not only make the user experience better, but will build that critical communication channel between OEM and their customers."

"We are making components that are lighter, safer, and now smarter," said Sean Sanjabi, ABC Technologies' manager of the advanced product development team, in a statement. "As a Canadian AI tech company, iNAGO allows us to design our components that are deeply integrated into vehicle data and systems and interact directly with users through a whole new medium: voice."

"We are delighted the province's Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network is helping to spur collaboration and advance Ontario innovation," said Vic Fedeli, Ontario's minister of economic development, job creation, and trade, in a statement. "Ranking second in North America for vehicle production, and with the continent's second-largest IT cluster, Ontario has the combination of talented people and industry expertise to shape the next generation of vehicle and mobility technologies."