AI technology firm Cerence has launched Cerence Pay, a new product that delivers secure, contactless in-car payment through voice-powered AI.

The American company says Cerence Pay is designed to anticipate drivers’ needs and provide a seamless payment transaction from intent to authentication via voice and facial biometrics and through to purchase.

The company is currently working with Audi on a joint project to build Cerence Pay into future Audi head units.

The company says examples for payment include parking, fuel, electric vehicle charging, restaurant reservation booking, fast food, and more adding that contactless payment was already on the rise, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the desire for touch-free payment options. It sites a recent study by Visa which suggests 70% of all Visa transactions in Europe are now made by contactless card or mobile devices.

Initial Cerence Pay partners include Arrive, a offering seamless mobility experience that leverages AI to predict and recommend the best parking solution for your destination, parking service provider Parkopedia and Visa, which provides secure payments globally.