Automotive technologies have become highly advanced in recent years. Automotive designers are trying to integrate features for better safety and more convenience. However, have you heard about in-car voice assistants? The built-in voice assistant is really an innovative feature, and you can find its evolution over the years.
From Google Assistant to Apple Siri, voice assistant technologies have a skyrocketing popularity. Today, you can find smart assistants in your vehicles. Originally, the purpose of the automotive voice technology was to minimize distractions that affect safety. With more developments, it is now used for your car for different needs.
Let us talk more about the speech recognition technology in the car.
Voice recognition system in the old car models
The in-vehicle voice assistants have a steady progress. Many modern cars with AI features have this special feature to ensure road safety for drivers.
Voice is the most important natural medium that promotes communication between humans. Touch screens and mechanical knobs may allow you to make interactions. But, voice simplifies your conversions, and AI-driven vehicles can quickly identify human language. It is interesting to discuss how voice control technology in cars started.
How were the early-day voice control systems in cars?
The locally embedded voice control system was found only in high-end vehicles. It facilitated only hands-free operation of air conditioning, radio, and a few other functions. Originally, the technology had a very limited vocabulary, as it could understand just a couple of commands. The driver had to remember various commands or check the voice guidance of the system to make the right commands. This issue added a cognitive burden to drivers and caused a negative effect on the reaction time.
The speech recognition process involves converting the voice commands to text. The module for speech recognition includes-
- A language model
- Extraction algorithm
- Search algorithm
The captured text needs to be fed to the software’s decision-making section. But, the earlier speech recognition systems did not have high accuracy. To let the system understand the command, the drivers had to speak clearly and slowly. These problems discouraged them from using the voice control functionalities.
Know about the modern in-car voice assistants
The innovation of AI and connectivity has made the in-car voice control systems more advanced. High-end systems allow smooth communications with users. There are no restrictions over the commands you can use.
In-vehicle speech recognition technology provides directions and gives you the facility to deliver emails. You can also play music and make phone calls using the voice commands.
You need to hit the voice button fitted to your steering wheels. Navigating between controls is easy for any driver. The infotainment screen will show the text message. With a single touch on the switch, the system will start reading out the message.
How did various brands innovate the in-vehicle voice recognition system?
Let us share some historical details of the voice control technology inside the car.
Acura voice control- Honda
In 2004, Honda collaborated with IBM to introduce a voice navigation system comprising control and voice command capabilities. To trigger the voice assistant, the driver only needs to push a button. Voice commands are used for making calls, controlling temperature, and navigating the interface. They have to take advantage of the Acura Link services to have details on weather, traffic, and other issues.
But, there are some limitations to this voice control technology. Drivers should minimize the background noise and speak clearly. It was also essential to adjust the ventilation away from the microphone in the ceiling. The voice recognition issue would be frustrating for most users.
Ford cars with voice control system
Ford and Microsoft made a partnership in 2007 to allow interactions between mobile devices and drivers.
The Ford Sync feature enabled drivers to deal with Bluetooth-driven mobiles and media players with voice commands. Ford has to receive and send text messages to Samantha, the voice assistant. With a USB connection to the smartphone, drivers can use the preferred mobile apps. They can also use the steering wheel to trigger the voice control system.
CarPlay- Siri Eyes-Free
It is another innovation for incorporating voice technology in your vehicles. The voice command abilities of Siri allow you to receive and make phone calls. You can manage your text messages without removing your hands from the steering wheel. Siri Eyes-Free was also integrated into the infotainment systems. However, as a driver, you should ensure that the car has a quiet environment to leverage the benefits of Siri.
Lexus with a better voice recognition system
The voice in-car functionalities introduced by Lexus are highly advanced. However, there is a need for interpreting the on-screen menus to select commands. So, it is the main demerit of the system. The speech recognition technology does not guarantee accuracy due to road noise. So, users no longer like to use the system as the voice control technology.
Lamborghini’s integration with Alexa
You might have heard that Ford was the first to the cloud-based solution of Alexa. But, Lamborghini was the first brand to facilitate Amazon Alexa integration for a better vehicle’s system control.
The Huracan Evo is an amazing model with Alexa integration. Drivers have used voice commands to manage seat heating, interior lighting, and other features. The system provides cloud-based solutions and allows you to get directions.
Conclusion
The in-car voice assistants are advancing rapidly to provide a better experience. The main intention is to make driving safe for everyone. Automakers have made partnerships with tech companies like Google and Apple. These companies are trying to contribute to the development of the automotive sector. They want to make the technology user-friendly and overcome the challenges with speech recognition systems.
There are legal rules to control unsafe driving behaviors. But, the voice control technology in modern cars will play a significant role in making the journey safer.
