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Kia Motors Corporation has announced the launch of a Kia Owners Manual App, an AI-based owners manual developed in partnership with Google Cloud and Megazone.

The Kia Owners Manual App is a customer-friendly mobile app that explains the name and functions of features found inside Kia models using the smartphone camera.Instead of having to refer to the printed owners manual, drivers can use the app to more easily find information about individual features. The easy-to-use app also has the advantage of being able to explain functions simply and conveniently.

Kia has offered augmented reality (AR) mobile apps to customers in certain markets since 2017. However, wide use of the app was limited as it required measuring all layouts and switches for every new model. Kia, Google and Megazone focused on recognizing symbols on the switches making the app compatible with any new models as symbols in vehicles are universal. Partnering with Google Cloud and Megazone means the new Kia Owners Manual app can be more easily tailored and adapted for dozens of Kias global markets.

AI-enhanced symbol recognition

By applying Google Clouds unique AI platform-based image learning technology, the apps Symbol Scanner function allows accurate identification of in-car switch symbols from any angle.

For example, if a user scans the cruise control symbol on the steering wheel with a smartphone, the AI platform will recognize the image via server communication. The smartphone then instantly displays a video introducing the detailed functions of the cruise control system.

Fully-searchable Digital Owners Manual

In addition, the Kia Owners Manual App serves as a digital owners manual with a search function. It also provides a Symbol Index and Warning Indicator Index, providing an illustrated list of in-car symbols and instrument cluster warning lights and their definitions.

Kia Owners Manual App to launch in the second half of 2020

Kia Motors will roll out the Kia Owners Manual App sequentially starting in the second half of 2020, starting with new cars scheduled to be released worldwide.

The Kia Owners Manual App will offer a unique customer experience with our products, said Eui-sung Kim, Vice President and Head of Global Dealer & Service of Kia Motors. Kia drivers will be able to enhance the safety and convenience of ownership with the app, which provides easy and intuitive information on the various functions of their vehicle and our latest technologies.

We are pleased to collaborate with Kia on this innovative application of AI Platform which is already used in the manufacturing industry to help automate the visual quality control process. The new AI-powered Digital Owners Manual is a great example of the kind of challenges AI can solve and how it can help enhance the customer experience, said Kiyoung Choi, Country Director of Google Cloud Korea.

The Kia Owners Manual App recently won the grand prize in the Intelligent Application category at the 2020 Spring Conference of the Korea Intelligent Information System Society in recognition of its innovation. Kia Motors plans to develop further convenience services incorporating innovative smart technologies through its collaborative experience with Google Cloud.

SOURCE:Kia Motors

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Kia Motors partners with Google Cloud to develop AI-based owner's manual app - Automotive World