• by Tanya Gazdik , October 12, 2022

Toyota and Google Cloud are expanding their partnership to bring together Toyota and Lexus next-generation audio multimedia systems and Google Cloud’s AI-based speech services.

Google Cloud’s new product Speech On-Device enables AI-driven speech services on embedded devices regardless of internet connectivity. Toyota will leverage vehicle-native Speech On-Device in its next-generation multimedia system, according to the automaker. 

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

With the growing popularity of voice assistants in everyday life, consumers expect accurate voice interactions in their vehicles, according to the automaker.

The machine learning capabilities required to provide high-quality speech results have traditionally relied on a connection to the cloud, as natural language processing is extremely complex and can require specialized computers.

Vehicles equipped with Toyota’s latest-generation Automotive Grade Linux-based Audio Multimedia and Lexus Interface infotainment systems already leverage Google Cloud’s Speech-to-Text service to accurately perform automatic speech recognition for in-vehicle queries. 

Expanding the collaboration between Toyota and Google Cloud, the partnership aims to drive future innovation with the addition of Speech On-Device. 

Now, with voice interactions served locally instead of by the cloud, drivers will not have to worry about a tunnel or dead zone affecting voice commands.

The expanded partnership represents refinement that comes with years of collaboration between Toyota and Google Cloud to perfect how technologies work with one another, said Steve Basra, group vice president, connected technologies, Toyota Motor North America, and CEO and president of Toyota Connected North America. 

The new product presents new opportunities across a variety of use cases, from cars to televisions or even kiosks.