Jan. 26, 2023—Quick lube shops will now have the opportunity to receive digital assistance with a verbal command. A new voice-activated assistant called Ortho will be sold to tire dealers, service franchises, and quick lube markets, according to a press release.
The device, powered by MOTOR’s OEM database and housed inside a tablet, will offer technicians information on the vehicle being worked on. The user says “hey Ortho,” and may then ask for information concerning “hundreds of specs (e.g., torques, measurements), fluid details (e.g., capacities, types), diagrams (e.g., serpentine belt), OEM maintenance intervals, and technical service bulletins (TSBs).” The answers will be both displayed on a screen as well as read aloud.
RAIN Technology, Inc. is the parent company of Ortho and specializes in voice technology and conversational AI. Nithya Thadani, CEO of RAIN, hopes that Ortho will help to save technicians time while working.
“We built Ortho with a laser focus on saving meaningful time at a wide range of service centers, tapping into voice technology’s inherent advantages - speed of input, hands-free use, and a distraction-free interface,” Thadani said. “With an aging fleet of vehicles on the road and an enduring technician shortage across all segments of the aftermarket, auto repair pros are some of the most in-demand professionals in any industry - they deserve well-designed, tech-forward solutions to maximize their productivity on the job.”
