Hey Google, can I park here?

As part of a world first, Volvo Cars and Google are demonstrating Google Gemini vehicle camera integration in the Volvo EX60 at this week’s Google I/O conference.

Together with Google, we aim to create a new generation of contextually aware driving experiences by bringing together the best of our respective technologies, leveraging the latest advancements in AI and Google Gemini.

This paves the way for a future where Gemini, with the driver’s permission, can see and understand the world from the car’s perspective – in real time. Imagine a driving experience where you can ask your car about a road sign you just passed, get help interpreting lane markings or learn more about a landmark or restaurant along the way.

Take parking as an example. By reading and interpreting parking signs in real time, the system helps drivers quickly understand restrictions, time limits, permit requirements or charging rules. Instead of second-guessing whether a space is valid, drivers receive clear, guidance exactly when and where they need it. 

“The EX60 provides an ideal platform to explore the future of contextually aware driving experiences,” says Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars. “Working closely with Google as a lead device partner allows us to help bring the latest advances in AI into the automotive environment faster and more collaboratively than ever before.”

These concepts provide an early look at how contextually aware AI experiences will in the future become part of the every-day driving experience. This is made possible by the Gemini model’s multi-modal understanding*, the EX60’s neural processing engine** and software- defined architecture.

More intuitive directions with Immersive Navigation from Google Maps

Soon we will also be among the first to introduce Immersive Navigation from Google Maps into our cars. With a new 3D view, Immersive Navigation offers even more intuitive guidance for drivers, helping them stay informed and focused on the road.

Drivers will see their route brought to life with redesigned buildings, tunnels, overpasses and more, making it easy to quickly understand complex roads and turns. This is particularly valuable in urban environments where skyscrapers and dense intersections can make it difficult to see the road ahead.

It also delivers more natural voice guidance with helpful instructions that call out real-world landmarks in addition to distance and timing, such as “Go past this light and take the next left after the library.” By aligning what drivers hear with what they see, navigation becomes even easier to follow.

“We’re excited to partner with Volvo Cars on helping build the next generation of driving experiences for the real world,” says Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars at Google. “In the future, Gemini will make your drive more helpful by allowing you to learn more about your surroundings while on the road. And with Immersive Navigation, we’re bringing Google Maps’ biggest update in over a decade to our drivers.”

Immersive Navigation from Google Maps will first be available in the Volvo EX60, EX90 and ES90.

These announcements reflect an ongoing relationship between Volvo Cars and Google as we work together to shape the next generation of in-car intelligence. 

The small print  

• Multi-modal understanding: AI’s ability to combine and interpret inputs such as voice, images, and context to understand a situation.
• ** Neural Processing Engine (NPU): A dedicated processor that runs AI tasks efficiently and in real time on-device.
• Features may differ depending on subscription, and results may vary. Google Gemini is AI and can make mistakes. Connected apps require setup and providing necessary permissions. Compatibility and availability vary. 18+.
• Google Gemini and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.