The new Volvo FH, Volvo FH16, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX will be the first commercial heavy-duty trucks to come with Amazon Alexa built-in. The integration of Alexa will enable truck drivers to get directions, make phone calls, listen to the news and access entertainment, all with simple voice commands. Volvo trucks with Alexa will be available from March 2021 in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
In September 2020, Volvo Trucks started sales of four new trucks that had been developed with a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity. The trucks have a new, flexible user interface with a digital instrument panel that gives the driver relevant information in each situation and makes it easier for drivers to take the right decisions.
“We have developed Volvo characteristics, including ergonomics, comfort and safety, and combined them with innovative technology, such as Alexa, to create an even more attractive and productive driver environment,” says Samuel Nerdal, Product Manager for electronics and electrical solutions at Volvo Trucks.
With Alexa drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road. If the new truck is equipped with the navigation software that is available from Volvo Trucks, then the driver can ask Alexa which route to take. In addition, Alexa can help the driver make phone calls to customers and family members, play music and access the news and audiobooks.
IVECO, a global manufacturer of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles and buses, is leading the way in Europe by using AWS’s Machine Learning and serverless capabilities and Amazon Alexa to enhance the driver’s experience.
The new innovative voice service enables IVECO drivers to vocally manage their route planning, check the vehicle’s maintenance and health status, and request driving tips. The voice service can also operate cab controls, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road, increasing traffic safety. It also makes it easy for drivers to remain connected with the IVECO driver community.
The new voice service, designed by IVECO Digital team with the support of AWS Professional Services, has been built following the Amazon Working Backward Innovation methodology taught in AWS’s Digital Innovation Program, and uses AWS machine learning, voice, security and serverless technologies.
“We are delighted with the new voice service, which will set a new standard in the automotive industry,” said Fabrizio Conicella, Digital lead at IVECO. “By leveraging the breadth of AWS’s portfolio, IVECO has been able to innovate and deliver in record time a new service that fundamentally changes the way drivers can interface with our vehicles and our drivers’ community. The new voice service from IVECO underpins the company’s future digital strategy as it strives to offer a completely new way for drivers to perform their tasks in an interactive way while raising the level of safety and comfort.”
