Success Story

Microsoft and TomTom

Inspiring new in-car experiences, driven by generative AI

Together with Microsoft, TomTom is bringing the power of AI into the vehicle, giving both drivers and passengers exciting new ways to communicate with their cars.

In the 1980s, Knight Rider introduced the world to KITT: a talking car powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Fast-forward four decades into the future, and that popular piece of science fiction is on the verge of becoming reality – with Microsoft and TomTom leading the charge.

Working with Microsoft, and leveraging the tech giant’s advancements in AI, TomTom has developed a fully integrated, AI-powered conversational automotive assistant that enables more sophisticated voice interaction with infotainment, location search, and vehicle command systems.

Integrating generative AI (GenAI) with in-vehicle systems makes it possible for drivers to not only talk to their cars (like they already do with voice assistants), but for the vehicle to talk back. And, unlike standard voice assistants that often require specific commands, GenAI excels at handling follow-up questions and maintaining contextual understanding. It means that drivers can ask more complex queries or engage in multi-turn conversations, receiving natural and relevant responses from their vehicle.

Built on the best of the automotive and tech worlds

With TomTom and Microsoft integrating what they do best into one solution, the two companies are shifting the in-vehicle experience into a new gear, enabling drivers to ask their car for anything and trusting that it will deliver.

The AI-powered voice assistant leverages Microsoft’s Large Language Models (LLM) in Azure, Azure Cognitive Services and Microsoft’s baseline speech components. The solution is built into TomTom’s Digital Cockpit, an open, modular in-vehicle infotainment platform. It can also be integrated into other automotive infotainment systems, enabling automotive customers to accelerate time-to-market on a customizable interface while retaining ownership of their branding and the driver experience.

Driving into the future

While these are still early days for GenAI, the technology is poised to have a transformational impact on our lives, including the way we interact with our cars.

Imagine, for example, that you have an afternoon appointment across town. The weather turns rainy, causing traffic to build up. Equipped with generative AI, your in-car navigation can notice that your journey might take a little longer than planned. It can send an alert to suggest that you leave work 15 minutes earlier. Then, when you’re on your way, it can recommend a new episode of your favorite podcast to help the extra time pass faster.

These are just a glimpse of the exciting possibilities that GenAI holds for the in-car experience. By bringing together their combined strengths, TomTom and Microsoft are poised to help carmakers make the most of GenAI’s revolutionary potential.

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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 partnership will enable OEMs to offer highly differentiated and unique cockpit experiences, while preserving their unique brand identity.

Dominik Wee
Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing & Mobility, Microsoft

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