Autoglass has launched a new voice assistant skill using Amazon’s Alexa enabling the technology to book appointments and make enquiries.

Smart speaker users can download the new skill and ask Alexa to make a booking with Autoglass and Autoglass BodyRepair.

The technology, which took nine months to develop, can enable customers to request an appointment based on their availability and ask questions about the service.

Alexa is Amazon’s voice-control system that is built into every Amazon Echo smart speaker that uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology to convert spoken words into text.

Autoglass’ head of digital Ed Colley said: “Technology is rapidly evolving and changing our daily lives, so as a business it is important that we adapt to the needs of our customers.

“Over 30 million smart speakers were sold globally last year and that is expected to double this year given the exploding rate of consumer adoption for voice technology.

"We want to be wherever our customers are digitally, to ensure that booking an appointment and interacting with Autoglass is as easy as possible."

The Alexa skill was built through a collaborative process and is now live for customers to download.

It follows the successful trial earlier this year using artificial intelligence to process customer-uploaded images and assess the severity of vehicle glass damage, with over 80% accuracy.

“Internet of Things technology is predominantly used in the home or on smartphones, but it has huge potential in the future to extend to connected cars,” said Colley.

“We’re investing in voice-enabled systems now to ensure that we are at the forefront of the market as the technology evolves and the adoption rate increases further.

"I’m delighted that Autoglass is the UK’s first vehicle glass repair and replacement company to offer this service to our customers.”

Autoglass will be working to continually develop the Alexa skill based on feedback and testing by customers as the technology learns.

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