Cerence, a developer of AI-based voice assistant technology for automobiles, has partnered with BMW to offer its Audio AI platform to enhance BMW's "Personal Pilot L3" conditional automated driving system.

BMW will utilize the Cerence Emergency Vehicle Detection (EVD) platform to identify the sirens of approaching emergency vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Upon detecting the siren, the system will lower the volume of the radio and other media inside the vehicle and alert the driver to take over to ensure the emergency vehicle can safely pass.

BMW’s Personal Pilot L3 is a Level 3 highly automated hands-free driving system, which allows drivers to leave the task of driving and includes capabilities like changing lanes, signaling, and moving forward autonomously. The system is currently available for BMW 7 Series customers in Germany.

Analyst QuickTake: Today’s partnership adds BMW to Cerence’s growing list of 80+ OEM customers, including Ford, Subaru, Land Rover, Suzuki, Mahindra, TATA, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Maruti Suzuki, NIO, SsangYong, General Motors, Volkswagen, SAI, and Zeekr.