Following the successful launch of its radar-equipped X-47 crossover, Indian electric vehicle startup Ultraviolette has introduced its new AI-powered voice assistant, Violette, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. Developed in collaboration with SoundHound AI, this system allows riders to control the F77 electric motorcycle through natural voice commands. The technology aims to improve rider safety by providing a hands-free interface that reduces the need to look at the dashboard while navigating or adjusting vehicle settings.
Key takeaways
- Voice-Led Control: Riders can activate the system using the wake phrase “Violette” to handle navigation, riding modes, and vehicle queries.
- Helmet Integration: The AI interface works through an audio-integrated helmet, acting as the bridge between the rider and the motorcycle.
- Proactive Safety: The system provides real-time alerts, pre-ride checks, and service reminders without manual input.
- Technical Partnership: co-developed with SoundHound AI, a leader in conversational intelligence used by global automotive brands.
- Future Expansion: While showcased on the F77, the technology is expected to reach upcoming models like the Tesseract and Shockwave.
Hands-free interaction and smart features
The demonstration at CES 2026 allowed visitors to experience how the F77 responds to spoken requests. By simply speaking to “Violette,” a rider can switch between riding modes, such as Glide, Combat, and Ballistic, or initiate turn-by-turn navigation. One of the more practical uses demonstrated was the ability to ask the motorcycle for technical information directly from the digital user manual. For example, a rider can ask for recommended tyre pressures or service instructions while on the move.
Beyond basic controls, the AI provides a suite of proactive features. It can perform a system check before a trip, provide detailed ride statistics after a journey, and offer maintenance alerts. This approach is part of Ultraviolette’s strategy to integrate intelligence into the riding experience, making complex interactions simpler and safer.
Safety through audio-integrated hardware
To ensure that the technology does not become a distraction, Ultraviolette has designed the system to operate through an audio-integrated helmet. This helmet serves as the primary communication link, allowing the rider to hear responses and give commands without taking their eyes off the road.
Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-founder of Ultraviolette, noted that AI is central to the company’s vision of improving rider safety. By moving controls from the screen to the voice, the company is looking to create a “human-centric” paradigm for connected mobility. This follows their recent trend of high-tech safety additions, such as the 77GHz rear-facing radar system launched on the X-47 model in late 2025.
Strategic partnership with SoundHound AI
The choice of SoundHound AI as a partner brings significant expertise to the project. SoundHound’s platform is known for its speed and accuracy in natural language understanding, features that are critical in a loud, outdoor riding environment. The partnership allows Ultraviolette to leverage advanced “Agentic AI” which can eventually handle more complex tasks, such as making service appointments or managing connected devices, directly from the helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Violette AI available on the current F77 Mach 2?
A1: The technology was showcased as a next-gen feature at CES 2026. While not currently on all production models, it is expected to be integrated into upcoming versions and potentially offered as an update for existing compatible hardware.
Q2: Do I need a specific helmet to use the voice assistant?
A2: Yes, the system requires an audio-integrated helmet equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to communicate with the motorcycle’s onboard computer.
Q3: Can the voice assistant work without an internet connection?
A3: Basic vehicle commands and user manual queries are typically processed on-device for speed, but features like navigation and real-time cloud alerts may require the bike’s onboard eSIM to have an active data connection.
Q4: What functions can I control with my voice?
A4: You can change riding modes, start navigation, check battery status, receive service reminders, and ask questions about vehicle maintenance like tyre pressure or oil levels.
