Chinese Internet provider Baidu has announced its partnership with Samsung's automotive tech subsidiary to develop cloud-based AI for Internet-connected cars, expanding the South Korean giant's reach among Chinese automakers through Baidu's leading role in China's AI software sector.
Under the partnership, Baidu will integrate its DuerOS personal digital assistant and voice-recognition technologies with Harman International's car and cloud platforms, according to a statement from Harman on Wednesday.
Baidu's DuerOS, dubbed as the Chinese version of Amazon's Alexa personal assistant, is an open-source operating system that supports access to various categories of consumer devices, including speakers, TVs and smartphones.
With Baidu, Harman will tailor DuerOS for automotive applications, including automatic speech recognition and natural language processing in both English and Mandarin as well as speech synthesis, the statement said
The collaboration will deliver enhanced in-vehicle experiences to drivers that are intuitive, easy to use and seamlessly integrate with their digital lifestyle, said Dinesh Paliwal, president and CEO of Harman.
"We continue to take bold steps to lead the industry with innovations that enhance and better integrate across their digital footprint--from home to office to the car--for people everywhere," he said.
"The partnership between Baidu and Harman will let consumers use natural voice control to more safely and conveniently interact with their cars and access off-board information and services," said Qi Lu, Baidu Group president and CEO.
The agreement builds on a previous collaboration between Harman and Baidu. In 2015, both companies developed CarLife, a vehicle networking solution that offered Internet-based features and location-based services via in-car infotainment systems for the Chinese market.
"Extending our successful partnership with Harman further demonstrates our joint commitment to creating the most flexible, innovative solutions that are tailored to meet the unique demand of Chinese auto industry and customers," Qi said.
Both companies also plan on developing high-quality audio solutions for speech-enabled smart speakers, which integrate Baidu's existing AI technology, the statement said.