Case Study: Trask delivered Škoda Auto's first AI-powered route planning solution

Key outcomes for Škoda Auto

• First AI-powered trip planning capability for its MyŠkoda mobile app
• More intuitive route planning through natural language input
• Integrated routing, charging stops, and POI recommendations
• MVP delivered within a highly compressed timeline
• Strong foundation for future development

Challenge: AI-powered trip planning without disrupting the existing routing experience

Škoda Auto wanted to introduce AI-powered trip planning into its mobile application MyŠkoda without affecting the existing routing experience.

The solution had to understand free-form natural language input, interpret user intent, validate route details, and return the fastest route while taking vehicle range into account and adding charging stops where needed.

At the same time, it needed to recommend relevant points of interest based on user prompts and explain the reasoning behind both route and POI recommendations, all within a very short delivery timeline.

"In collaboration with Trask solutions, we introduced the first AI powered trip planning feature into the MyŠkoda app. The solution was delivered within a limited number of sprints, overcoming significant technical and delivery challenges, and ultimately proved to work reliably while creating tangible value for users and a solid base for further expansion."

— Hana Vavrušková, Area Product Owner, Škoda Auto

Solution: Turn natural language input into a smarter route planning experience

Trask delivered the first functional version of Laura as an AI-powered route planning solution for the MyŠkoda app. The solution combines Google Maps data with internal systems to help users plan trips more naturally through free-form text input.

Users can enter route requests directly into the search bar in the Maps tab or paste travel details in natural language. Laura then interprets the request and returns an appropriate route suggestion, including charging stops and relevant points of interest.

Key capabilities of the AI-powered Laura Route Planner

• Natural language route planning via search bar in Maps tab
• Fastest-route recommendation
• Charging stopovers based on vehicle range
• Personalized POI recommendations based on user prompts
• Explanations for route and POI recommendations
• One route option displayed based on input details
• Human, friendly, and professional communication with clear boundaries

Technology stack

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) - Vertex AI – Gemini model – Google Maps integration

Outcome: A functional AI route planning solution and a strong base for future development

Despite a highly compressed timeline, a new GCP environment, and a distributed team across India and the Czech Republic, the project successfully delivered the required MVP scope.

The result was not only a functional AI-powered route planning solution, but also a solid base for future development within the Škoda Auto mobile application.

About Škoda Auto 

• In 2024, Škoda Auto delivered more than 926,000 vehicles to customers worldwide.  
• Operates three production plants in the Czech Republic; has production capacities in China, Slovakia and India, mostly through group partnerships, as well as in Vietnam and Ukraine in cooperation with a local partner.
• Has been part of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s most successful car manufacturers, for more than 30 years.
• Employs around 35,000 people worldwide and is active in almost 100 markets.

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