Continental and Elektrobit collaborate for In-vehicle Integration of Amazon’s Alexa Custom Assistant

By OEM Update Editorial June 17, 2021 5:19 pm IST

In an automotive industry first, automakers can now truly test-drive Alexa Custom Assistant as a solution demo in a production vehicle.

Continental and Elektrobit (EB) recently announced a significant advancement in automotive embedded voice experiences: the first in-vehicle integration of Alexa Custom Assistant, a comprehensive solution that lets automakers access Alexa’s advanced AI to create their own branded, intelligent assistants. The collaboration brings together Continental’s automotive electronics and EB’s software expertise, integrating Alexa Custom Assistant into Continental’s Cockpit High Performance Computer with software and integration services provided by EB.

“The automotive cockpit is changing. With the addition of more displays, cameras, sensors and advanced features, it is becoming increasingly complex. Additionally, boundaries between life in and outside the vehicle continue to blur, with consumers expecting a seamless technology experience no matter where they are,” explained Frank Rabe, head of business unit Human Machine Interface at Continental. “Holistic interaction concepts for such complex systems are key, and the best user experience is becoming the ultimate differentiator for any automaker. Working together with Amazon we enable automakers to create world-class customized voice AI experiences that maximize resources and enhance the customer experience.”

With Alexa Custom Assistant, all sorts of custom experiences can be programmed into the vehicle, enabling a natural dialog between the driver, custom assistant, and Alexa to fulfill the driver’s request. Alexa’s advanced AI ensures each request is routed to the assistant that can provide the most relevant and delightful experience. For example, if a customer asks Alexa to roll down a car window, the request will be seamlessly routed to the vehicle brand’s assistant. If a customer asks the vehicle brand’s assistant to play an audio book, the request will be routed to Alexa. Automakers can even customize their brand’s assistant with a unique wake word, voice and capabilities – providing customers the benefits of an intelligent assistant that is their product and services expert, while seamlessly coexisting and cooperating with Alexa. 

Extension of Existing Strategic Engagement

This engagement is an extension of EB’s existing, multi-year relationship with Amazon as one of the first and a leading integrator of Alexa in vehicles. EB, a software expert with more than 30 years serving the industry, previously showcased cockpit software integration with Amazon at both CES 2019 and CES 2020.

For more info, visit: https://www.elektrobit.com/