DiDi unveils voice assistant, AR navigation programs

BEIJING - Chinese leading mobile transportation platform Didi Chuxing has unveiled a voice assistant and augmented reality (AR) slated for street testing in its latest efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the user experience.

The interactive, app-based AR navigation service, which is built on computer vision positioning and 3D scene reconstruction technology, can help passengers navigate through large buildings, such as airports, train stations, and malls, to reach a vehicle pick-up location.

The driver voice assistant, which is voice activated via an in-vehicle smart device, is designed to provide a full spectrum of services ranging from audio and video content search, information inquiry and temperature adjustment, to passenger communications, customer service, and even refuel, recharging or repair services.

DiDi also launched its AI for Social Good project in conjunction with more than 10 founding partners to seek joint technological and social solutions to environmental, safety, health, and accessibility challenges.

The company offers on-demand transportation services for about 550 million users, with daily rides reaching about 30 million.