Companies Enter MOU to Develop Solutions Based on webOS Auto and Cerence ARK
February 2020 — LG Electronics (LG) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Cerence Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNC), which recently spun off from Nuance Communications, Inc. as an independent automotive software company, to develop a new software solution that integrates LG’s webOS Auto In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system with Cerence ARK (AI Reference Kit), a new turnkey voice assistant for the automotive market.
Together, the companies aim to create and advance a more convenient in-car experience through voice commands that allow drivers and passengers to have far more control over car functions, navigation and multimedia content. The partnership is expected to deliver more efficient management of resources required to integrate Cerence ARK with webOS Auto, aiming to provide OEM and Tier 1 manufacturers with a pre-packaged, full-stack IVI software system that will shorten the time-to-market, bring an immersive voice experience and rich content ecosystem to connected cars and improve the user experience inside the vehicle.
LG’s webOS Auto is a Linux-powered IVI platform for connected cars designed to provide OEM and tier-one manufacturers with productivity and flexibility for the next generation in-vehicle experience. Cerence ARK is a turnkey automotive product that enables automakers to quickly develop, deploy and manage a fully localized automotive voice assistant.
“We look forward to this collaboration with Cerence to develop a turnkey voice solution for today’s auto and component makers to accelerate the arrival of the connected car,” said Dr. I.P. Park, president and CTO of LG Electronics. “We will continue to evolve webOS Auto by offering a wider range of AI-powered experiences for both manufacturers and auto customers.”
“We are honored and excited to partner with LG Electronics on a solution that harnesses the collective power and promise of webOS Auto and Cerence ARK,” said Sanjay Dhawan, CEO, Cerence. “This new offering will support automakers and tier-one suppliers as they rapidly innovate, speed the time to market, and deliver a state-of-the-art in-car experience unlike any other.”
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics Inc. is a global innovator in technology and manufacturing with operations in 140 locations and a workforce of over 70,000 around the world. With 2018 global sales of USD 54.4 billion, LG is composed of five companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Vehicle Component Solutions and Business Solutions. LG is a world-leading producer of TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and mobile devices, including premium LG SIGNATURE and LG ThinQ products featuring artificial intelligence. For the latest LG news, go to www.LGnewsroom.com.