SPooN is pleased to announce its collaboration with Cerence AI to introduce Renault’s official avatar—an innovative in-cabin 3D digital co-pilot that provides a new way to interact with Renault’s electric vehicles through generative AI capabilities and human-like interaction.
Reno, the official Renault avatar, is an intelligent, helpful, and friendly in-car companion that provides customers with a more intuitive and enjoyable driving experience. The collaboration between Renault and SPooN began 2 years ago with the introduction of the Reno avatar at the Paris Motor Show in 2022, where it was showcased in digital signage, then integrated into the new Renault mobile app WT4 and WT5 in 2023. After using these marketing channels to introduce the character to the public, it was time to fully integrate this digital co-pilot into the Renault R5.
To create the most interactive experience possible, we teamed up with Cerence AI to leverage their emotional neural Text-To-Speech technology along with Cerence Chat Pro, enhanced with generative AI including ChatGPT's large language model integration, making the avatar conversational and more engaging. The avatar operates on SPooN’s dynamic 3D engine, which translates outputs from Cerence’s voice assistant into real-time 3D animations. Leveraging our Text-to-Action technology, the engine seamlessly handles both scripted responses of the voice assistant and AI-generated replies from ChatGPT. This real-time translation enables reno to deliver responses with nuanced, contextually appropriate animations and behaviors.
This approach places a strong emphasis on non-verbal communication between the user and the machine, enhancing comprehension and interaction fluidity. Reno can change shapes and colors to convey different situations and amplify expressions, making interactions more dynamic and explicit. By incorporating intuitive non-verbal gestures, Reno reduces cognitive stress, helping users better process information and make decisions with ease, even in critical situations like technical issues or accidents. The mere presence of the avatar, capable of reassuring passengers and initiating actions such as contacting emergency services, fosters a sense of comfort and security.
Beyond its functionality, reno embodies not only Renault's identity and values but also all the cutting-edge technologies within the new Renault R5. As the official avatar, Reno becomes the living expression of this new generation of vehicles, offering users an emotional connection to Renault's brand, products and services.
« This integration of Reno into the Renault 5 and the upcoming Renault 4 marks a significant step forward in our mission to redefine digital interactions in the automotive landscape » said Herwig Steininger, co-ceo and general manager of SPooN. « Our interactive technology, combined with Cerence’s generative AI and LLM voice assistant capabilities, has paved the way for a new generation of in-cabin personalized experiences. This marks the beginning of a new era in automotive, where cars are embodied as digital companions.
About SPooN
SPooN creates AI-powered 3D digital characters that see, listen, and engage in conversation, transforming interactions with machines through human-like communication. By addressing the need for intelligent, intuitive, and emotionally engaging AI interfaces, SPooN helps brands and enterprises foster deeper engagement and build lasting customer relationships. Whether as a brand ambassador, chatbot, enterprise co-pilot, or in-car companion, SPooN characters can bring any product or service to life.
PR contact : Yves Janin - yves.janin@spoon.ai
