Toyota Partners with Google Cloud for AI-Powered Speech Services in Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

Automaker Toyota and Google Cloud have expanded their partnership to bring together Toyota and Lexus next-generation audio multimedia systems and Google Cloud's AI-based speech services.

Toyota and Lexus owners can now experience the first results of the partnership in the latest generation Toyota Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface infotainment systems in 2023 Toyota Corolla, Tundra, and Sequoia models and Lexus NX, RX, and all-electric RZ models.

Vehicles equipped with Toyota's Linux-based Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface infotainment systems already leverage Google Cloud's Speech-to-Text service to perform automatic speech recognition for in-vehicle queries. With this expanded partnership, Toyota's next-generation system will no longer require an internet connection for natural-speech functions.

The collaboration further aims to drive future innovation with the addition of Speech On-Device, a new Google Cloud AI product that equips embedded devices with AI-based speech recognition and synthesis available in the cloud. The future vehicle-native Speech On-Device will enable voice requests to be served directly by vehicles' multimedia system processors. Now, with voice interactions served locally instead of by the cloud, drivers will not have to worry about tunnels or dead zones 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 of connected technologies at Toyota Motor North America and CEO and president of Toyota Connected North America, in a statement. "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."

"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, vice president of global strategic customers and industries at Google Cloud, in a statement.