TomTom, the location technology specialist (sat-nav), has announced it has partnered with Microsoft to bring generative artificial intelligence (AI) to the global automotive industry. 

Leveraging Microsoft's advancements in AI, TomTom says it has developed a fully integrated, AI-powered conversational automotive assistant that it claims enables more sophisticated voice interaction with infotainment, location search, and vehicle command systems.

According to TomTom, drivers can converse naturally with their vehicle and ask the AI-powered assistant to navigate to a certain location, find specific stops along their route, and vocally control onboard systems.

Mike Schoofs, Chief Revenue Officer, TomTom said: “Together with Microsoft, our shared vision is to drive innovation with generative AI and provide our customers with even better solutions.”

Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility, Microsoft said: “We’re building on our longstanding collaboration with TomTom and bringing together AI advances across the Microsoft Cloud with TomTom's automotive expertise to provide drivers and carmakers with new AI-powered tools. This integration will enable OEMs to offer highly differentiated and unique cockpit experiences, while preserving their unique brand identity.”

TomTom started working with Microsoft in 2016, with TomTom powering Azure Maps location services, and the companies later expanding their partnership to mapping data and services for Microsoft's first-party maps.