We often develop strong feelings for our cars, anthropomorphizing them to some degree. Automotive supplier Harman is looking to take that relationship further by creating an in-car experience that “understands and uniquely engages with you.” This technology, displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, could be the future of vehicle interaction, and it’s generating both excitement and a little bit of unease.
Luna: The Emotionally Intelligent Assistant
At the heart of this development is Luna, an “emotionally intelligent AI system.” Harman has designed it to personalize interactions using voice and visuals, employing machine learning to foster a stronger connection between the driver and the vehicle. Harman claims this makes it “natural and intuitive.” However, depending on your view, it may also come across as somewhat unsettling.
Luna utilizes Harman’s Ready Engage system, combining its AI with the Ready Vision system, which provides augmented reality displays. Furthermore, it integrates with Ready Care, a sensor suite designed to monitor driver vitals and attention levels.
A Comprehensive In-Car Experience
In essence, Harman aims to fully integrate itself into the car’s internal systems. The system will constantly observe, listen, and anticipate the driver’s needs. This could involve displaying augmented reality navigation instructions or potentially influencing the car’s responses in more advanced ways.
Rapid Implementation and Future Features
Harmon asserts that its suite can be rapidly integrated, with capabilities ready for vehicle launch in as little as six months and updates taking just three months. This quick turnaround also applies to the advanced driver-assistance systems that Harman provides.
Harman’s on-device language model should also make it simpler for developers to create customized apps for the car, which could make for a more customized user experience. One particularly interesting feature, Ready Aware, allows the car to communicate with a network, similar to how drivers share real-time crash or alert updates on apps like Waze. It can provide warnings about potential collisions by integrating data from other cars.
Harman, known for its Harman Kardon audio systems and a leader in OEM car audio, showcased this technology at CES 2025. Although a specific release date was not announced, this is considered the initial step toward an exciting new development.
