Volvo and Google are working on a new generation of context-aware driving experiences, combining the automotive expertise of the Swedish manufacturer with Big Tech technologies and, in particular, with the latest advances in artificial intelligence thanks to Google Gemini. The goal is to transform the car into an “assistant” capable of understanding what is happening around the car, always with the driver’s consent. On the occasion of the Google I/O conference, the integration of the Google Gemini vehicle camera was presented worldwide for the first time on board the EX60.
Volvo and Google join forces
The innovation allows Gemini to see and interpret the surrounding context in real time from the car’s point of view. And it paves the way for more natural and useful features while driving. It could support everyday actions such as recognizing a road sign, interpreting road markings, or requesting information about a landmark or a restaurant, making interaction with the vehicle more immediate and “situational.” A concrete example concerns parking: thanks to real-time reading of signage, the system would help understand restrictions, time limits, required permits, and pricing rules, avoiding attempts or guesses about availability and use of spaces.
New immersive navigation
This vision also continues in navigation. Volvo aims to be among the first manufacturers to introduce Google Maps Immersive Navigation, initially available on EX60, EX90, and ES90. With a more realistic 3D visualization, the route will be shown on the navigation displays including updated elements such as buildings, tunnels, and overpasses, to better orient in complex roads and challenging turns, especially in urban areas. Furthermore, verbal directions become more natural and linked to real landmarks, thanks to the alignment between visual and auditory components.
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