Alipay and iFLYTEK have deepened their partnership in the field of intelligent cockpits through a new program called the Xunbao Plan. The goal of this initiative is to transform the artificial intelligence functions in vehicles from simple communication to performing daily tasks.
At the iFLYTEK smart vehicle product presentation on October 21, as reported by Leiphone and Sina Tech, an Alipay assistant operating within iFLYTEK's Spark Smart Cockpit 3.0 was demonstrated.
According to the cooperation terms, the iFLYTEK cockpit is responsible for understanding the driver's needs and directing the request to the appropriate function, using its automotive Master Agent to coordinate tasks. In turn, the Alipay assistant provides the necessary services and handles the payment and task execution process.
The first four scenarios focus on frequently encountered needs while driving. With user permission, highway tolls can be deducted via Alipay without the need to scan a code. Parking fees are paid automatically as soon as the vehicle leaves the parking spot and do not require password entry. The system can also remind drivers about receiving a package if it is on the way home. Furthermore, the smart ordering function allows users to pre-order food based on estimated arrival time, taste preferences, and available discounts for pickup upon arrival.
Han Zhenwei, General Manager of Alipay's Digital Life for Vehicles division, emphasized that the next stage of intelligent cockpit development is not only about improving the conversational abilities of AI but also about ensuring the actual execution of provided services. He noted that Alipay will support automakers in two ways: by implementing services based on its closed payment system and managing user operations, utilizing the reach and advantages of Alipay vehicle owners to assist manufacturers with customer relations.
Both companies announced that subsequent phases of the program will include account compatibility, implementation of in-car AI payment functionality, and the possibility of buy now, pay later based on credit for vehicle owners. They also plan to expand the number of participating automakers and service providers.
This agreement unites two parts of the overall agent picture that often functioned in isolation. Voice assistants in Chinese cars have become quite competent at understanding requests, but completing the task usually required switching to a mobile phone. By enabling the cockpit agent to interact directly with the Alipay payment network and local service network, iFLYTEK and Alipay are betting that the car will become another platform where agents can conduct transactions, not just answer questions.