BMW and Alibaba to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Push AI-Driven Technologies in China
3.26.2023
BMW Group has announced a strengthened strategic partnership with Alibaba Group at an exclusive meeting held on March 26. The two giants aim to accelerate their collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technologies in China.
The partnership will primarily focus on the development of BMW's customized AI engine, codenamed "Malte", and its integration with Alibaba. Based on global-leading advancements in symbolic AI models, BMW plans to roll out an AI-driven smart assistant on select Chinese-produced BMW vehicle models by 2026. This move is anticipated to enhance the intuitive user experience for drivers.
One of the key milestones, set to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, will be the introduction of "SuperSense Seat" and an intelligent interaction scenario between both parties. Additionally, BMW Group's Chairman Michael Klinkowich stated its resolve to further explore AI-driven technologies with Alibaba group, focusing on enhancing the smart mobility platform, especially through digitalization and electrification.
This strategic alliance marks a decade-long partnership which began in 2015 when the two corporations started their collaboration in digitization. Since then, they have extended their cooperation into cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, including natural language processing models. Future collaborations will target further integration within other domains such as core infrastructure platforms, cross-domain services expansion.
Based on leading advancements in symbolic AI technology models, both BMW and Alibaba will bring forward an AI-driven solution for intelligent assistants in vehicle seats which would provide "virtual friends" to smart vehicles aiming at a more natural user experience during long journeys with their advanced functions of accurate intent recognition, handling complex commands to convey subtle phrases in ambiguous context.
BMW has announced two innovative solutions — Car Genius and Travel Companion — as part of the AI-driven interface. A major milestone was when BMW successfully integrated it into its new vehicle line-up that is expected to enhance an easier user interaction across different modes such at transportation and living spaces during long travels, providing a seamless connectivity. Furthermore, there are further integrations in mind, with focus on exploration for multi-modal interfaces to meet the changing smart mobility usage needs.
The latest vehicle models equipped with AI technology would showcase advancements made by BMW, especially with newly developed key technical innovations including improved iDrive system, an advanced brain-type "drive control" as well as enhanced battery power that are seen here for the first time. The company also emphasizes a stronger connection to local Chinese researchers and technologists while bolstering their already established research center using global standards.
A reliable source disclosed more insights on how it's designed with local tech resources based on years of observing Chinese buyers needs.
(Note: I took some liberties with translation, condensing sentences and rephrasing where possible for better clarity.
