Introducing 'PleoS Connect': Smarter AI Assistant and Automatic Charging Station Guidance Unveiled

"The goal of Hyundai Motor Group is to ensure that a vehicle's value does not remain fixed at the point of sale, but continues to improve in terms of user experience, safety, and quality even after purchase,"

Jongwon Lee, Executive Vice President of the Feature & CCS Division at Hyundai Motor and Kia, made this statement while introducing the next-generation infotainment system, PleoS Connect, at a media day held at the UX Studio in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of April 29.

Hyundai Motor Group unveils next-generation infotainment system 'Pleaos Connect' for the first time. Hyundai Motor Group

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PleoS Connect is the mass-production model of the research and development version unveiled by Hyundai Motor Group during the 'Pleos 25' developer conference last year. It is a next-generation infotainment system that will drive the software-defined vehicle (SDV) era and deliver new value to customers. Built on the three core development philosophies of intuitiveness, safety, and openness, it features a large-screen display, a slim display, an AI-based voice assistant called Gleo AI, and an open app marketplace, transforming the vehicle into a smart device.

Consumers can use the large-screen display of PleoS Connect to control the vehicle and receive navigation guidance, issue commands via AI voice recognition, and enjoy a wider range of experiences such as gaming, web browsing, and media content through external app services. In addition, even after purchasing the vehicle, users can continuously add new features and convenience options via over-the-air (OTA) software updates, allowing them to always feel as if they are driving a new car.

Hyundai Motor Group unveils next-generation infotainment system 'PleoS Connect' for the first time. Hyundai Motor Group

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PleoS Connect enhances convenience through ergonomic design, with a particular focus on driver safety and intuitiveness. For example, frequently used climate control functions are positioned closer to the driver on the central large-screen display, and key functions can be operated not only via the screen but also through physical buttons.

Ahead of the driver's seat, a slim display provides quick access to essential driving information without requiring the driver to look away from the road. Drivers can freely customize the information displayed-such as speed, media, and route-according to their personal preferences and needs.

The navigation function has also been improved. Major events, such as intersections, traffic signals, and branching points, are clearly represented by icons to enhance recognition, and real-time traffic data is collected to provide faster and more accurate routes. In the future, the system will offer alternative routes in the event of accidents and improve the accuracy of electric vehicle range predictions by utilizing road gradients and traffic information.

For electric vehicles, the system now considers a combination of factors, such as battery charge and temperature, to determine whether the vehicle can reach its destination, and it guides the driver along routes that pass through the optimal charging stations.

Hyundai Motor Group unveils next-generation infotainment system 'PleoS Connect' for the first time. Hyundai Motor Group

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The Gleo AI, based on a large language model (LLM), is also integrated to further enhance driver convenience. Whereas previous voice recognition systems could only handle a single command at a time, Gleo AI can process three or more commands simultaneously. For example, if a rear-seat passenger asks to turn on the heated seat, Gleo AI will automatically recognize the passenger's location and activate the seat heater, even if "rear seat" is not specified. However, for safety-related commands such as folding the side mirrors, the system restricts operation to the driver and front passenger seats to ensure safety. Additionally, Gleo AI is capable of understanding regional dialects from major areas across the country, allowing consumers to communicate comfortably with Gleo AI anywhere in Korea.

Hyundai Motor Group has also developed its own app marketplace, enabling a variety of apps to be used on PleoS Connect. Not only Hyundai Motor Group but also any developer with innovative ideas can participate. While other automakers also offer third-party apps, these are typically shared from mobile apps to the central screen, which poses limitations. In contrast, the Hyundai Motor app marketplace allows apps to be installed directly on the vehicle, which is expected to improve usability and stability.

Starting next month in Korea with the partially redesigned Grandeur model, Hyundai Motor Group plans to sequentially apply PleoS Connect to Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles sold globally.

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