Indian artificial intelligence firm Sarvam is set to introduce its latest AI models to a wider audience by integrating them into feature phones, automobiles, and its own line of smart glasses. This announcement was made during the ongoing India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Supported by notable investors such as Lightspeed, PeakXV, and Khosla Ventures, Sarvam is leveraging edge models that require minimal storage space, allowing them to function on various devices equipped with standard processors, even without an internet connection.
The company is collaborating with HMD to develop a conversational AI assistant for Nokia and HMD devices. A demonstration showcased a user interacting with the AI assistant in their local language via a dedicated button on a feature phone, providing information about government programs and local markets. However, it remains unclear if all the showcased features will be available offline.
Tushar Goswamy, head of Edge AI at Sarvam, emphasized during the presentation, "Our goal is to infuse intelligence into every phone, laptop, car, and a new wave of devices through edge AI."
He also mentioned that Sarvam has partnered with Qualcomm to optimize its models for Qualcomm chipsets, although specific device details were not disclosed.
In addition, Sarvam is working alongside Bosch, the renowned German engineering company, to integrate AI assistants into vehicles, although further specifics were not provided.
The startup unveiled a pair of AI smart glasses, named Sarvam Kaze, which are designed and produced in India. Co-founder Pratyush Kumar described the glasses as a "builders' device" and announced their availability in May.
Historically, Sarvam has focused primarily on the enterprise sector, providing voice-centric models for applications such as customer support. These new models and strategic partnerships signify a shift towards consumer-oriented solutions.