Audi is redefining how we interact with our vehicles. The automaker recently launched Audi Reader, a next-gen feature integrated into the myAudi & Me app that transforms any Audi car into its own manual. This intelligent tool uses computer vision to identify interior functions instantly—helping drivers understand buttons, lights, and controls in real time.
The Innovation: Smarter Than a PDF Manual
Only 1 in 4 Audi drivers ever open the traditional car manual, according to internal data. Recognizing this disconnect, Audi teamed up with Ogilvy and Roboflow to develop a smarter, app-based solution. With Audi Reader, simply point your smartphone camera at any component inside your car, and the app instantly identifies it—complete with functionality descriptions and guidance.
This isn’t just convenience—it’s a fundamental reshaping of how users access vehicle knowledge.
Powered by Intelligent Vision
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Roboflow’s object recognition engine is at the core, trained on more than 10,000 images across the brand’s 27 current models.
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The AI reliably recognizes everything from warning lights to dashboard controls, and maps each to the user manual’s content for easy comprehension.
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Using this visual interface makes car education immediate, interactive, and user-friendly.
A Suite of Connected Capabilities
Audi Reader isn’t a standalone feature—it deepens engagement across the customer journey. Through the app, users can:
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Chat directly with their aftersales advisor
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Book a service appointment
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Request roadside assistance
With these integrated capabilities, Audi is delivering a cohesive experience that elevates the app beyond utility—making it a trusted car owner companion.
Why It Stands Out in Automotive UX
| Feature | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|
| Zero learning curve | No more cumbersome manuals or confusing buttons—access is instant |
| Enhanced customer connection | Seamlessly blends the app with real-world service support |
| High-tech yet intuitive | Demonstrates technological prowess without sacrificing usability |
As Lorenzo Spadoni, Innovation & Technology Partner at Ogilvy Barcelona, puts it:
“Beyond generative AI, our commitment to artificial intelligence responds to a practical need to make the car more intuitive for the driver.”
Audi’s recent investment of €4.6 billion in R&D underscores its dedication to innovating not just in performance, but also in user experience (UX).
Final Thoughts
Audi Reader marks a leap from static instruction manuals to context-aware, real-time guidance. In an era where immediacy defines digital interaction, this tool sets a new benchmark for automotive UX—making tech accessible, useful, and perfectly aligned with how we live today.
