Avatar to sell car loans

Artificial intelligence (AI) company Soul Machines has received about NZ$10.6m in investment from Mercedes-Benz manufacturer Daimler AG.

Udo Neumann, chief information officer of Daimler Financial Services, says the company is investing in the technology to further customer experience after testing how Soul Machines’ AI avatar called Sarah helped call-centre staff assist customers.

“Emotional intelligence will play a crucial role in adapting services, such as car financing, leasing and insurance, car-sharing or ride-hailing to customers,” he says.

“Different from today’s voice-based, assistance technology, Sarah will be programmed to recognise non-verbal behaviour in real-time using face recognition.”

Founded in 2016, Auckland-based Soul Machines develops advanced AI technology used by large corporate brands in the banking, technology, automotive, healthcare, energy and education sectors.

Greg Cross, chief business officer at Soul Machines, says the investment from Daimler Financial Services puts his company in a better position to quickly develop and test the technology in the automotive sector.

Daimler Financial Services plans to use the technology to optimise customer experience through artificial and emotional intelligence wit Sarah supporting clients customers similar to a personal concierge.

The share of online business is growing and customers are increasingly making purchasing decisions on digital platforms. Sarah talks to customers face to face, recognises customer needs and offers correct information