The news about Artificial intelligence (AI) can sound alarming. With the latest hype, it sounds like robots could soon be gaining sentience and humans could slowly be replaced by thinking computers.
However, the reality is that AI is already enhancing human skills and capabilities in many products and services that we use every day. It has the potential to automate many tasks and free up humans to focus on more creative and strategic activities.
Toyota has been utilizing AI for years, both within the company and in the products it offers. The focus is on meeting the next generation of challenges and exceeding customer expectations.
Going Strong Since 2016
In 2016, Toyota set out to engineer a resilient cloud safety system, which led to the development of the Safety Connect service. Safety Connect uses data from the vehicle to identify collisions and automatically notify call center agents. Telematics information can also provide a more complete picture of the situation, enabling faster response times when needed.
Parallel to this, Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) engineers created AI-driven virtual agents called “Hey Toyota” and “Hey Lexus” to support voice interactions in vehicles. These virtual agents can control audio, climate control, and other functions, and even tell jokes.
From your SOS button to a number of other services, Safety Connect, powered by Toyota Connected’s Drivelink telematics platform, enables a number of safety and convenience technologies in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Since then, Toyota has been continuously building, testing, and deploying AI-powered features to improve safety, quality, and customer experience with their products.
Toyota teams have developed a machine learning pipeline that predicts low-speed collisions and distinguishes them from harsh braking and cornering events. They are working on classifying these micro-collisions by type, body location, and severity to assess the well-being of drivers and passengers, as well as identify hidden damages that may require repairs.
Additionally, Toyota has been using AI and data from connected vehicles to create predictive maintenance models. These models can identify potential maintenance needs before component failures occur, enabling customers to have more reliable mobility experiences.
Toyota Connected engineers are looking into Predictive Maintenance concepts, which are designed to use AI algorithms to detect when parts may need to be replaced before the driver feels or hears changes in performance, such as with brake pads and rotors.
“The auto industry is in a state of revolution rather than evolution,” said Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) President and CEO Ted Ogawa. Toyota is using AI to transform its business and provide intuitive and delightful experiences for drivers and passengers.
One example is Destination Assist, a tool powered by Drivelink that helps drivers with navigation. Toyota has automated this service using AI, reducing call times and improving quality.
“AI is complementing what Toyota companies do well – helping get customers on the road safely and confidently,” said TCNA Chief Technology Officer Brian Kursar.
In addition, Toyota is exploring the use of Generative AI and large language models to enhance its core competencies. Generative AI can be used to create personalized vehicle art and provide on-the-go explanations of dashboard icons, eliminating the need for paper manuals.
In April 2023, Toyota collaborated with Lexus marketing to launch a Generative AI vehicle art activation at the New York International Auto Show. Guests had the opportunity to create custom pictures of Lexus vehicles in different locations.
To further enhance customer experiences, Toyota is developing intelligent in-vehicle features using Generative AI. These features can assist with finding roadside destinations or even enable in-vehicle, contextual-based games.
Toyota has formed a centralized Enterprise AI group to focus on researching and experimenting with new AI technologies, including Generative AI. The group aims to coordinate efforts across Toyota divisions and affiliates to make these AI applications a reality while ensuring responsible AI practices are implemented.
Toyota sees AI as a powerful tool to transform its business and become a leader in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. By using AI responsibly, Toyota aims to accelerate its business transformation into an electrified mobility company while delivering better products and experiences to customers.