Volkswagen is incorporating generative artificial intelligence technology into its lineup, having announced its intention to install ChatGPT developed by OpenAI in its cars starting in the second quarter of 2024.
The AI chatbot will be available across the range of vehicles offered by the company, including Tiguan, Passat, Golf, as well as the company’s electric vehicle family.
This feature was first expanded in Europe, where Volkswagen uses ChatGPT to enhance its voice assistant role inside its IDA car, enabling the driver to communicate more naturally with the vehicle.
Car owners can benefit from the new voice assistant to control basic functions such as heating and air conditioning, as well as use it to respond to general questions and provide information.
Volkswagen states that future functionalities may enhance the value of ChatGPT by diversifying conversations, clarifying questions, interacting in natural language, and receiving vehicle-specific information without the need to use hands.
Volkswagen assures that it will not require you to create a new account or install any apps, and the chatbot can be activated by using the wake word “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel.
Volkswagen affirms that OpenAI cannot access driving data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately to provide high data security.
Last year, OpenAI announced the launch of a platform to create custom versions of ChatGPT for specific applications. These AI agents can be accessed through the company’s dedicated GPT store, known as GPTs.
The voice assistant in the vehicle functions significantly well, being able to perform various tasks such as operating seat heating systems or defrosting windows. However, it lacks conversational skills and often struggles to meet more complex navigation requests.
Prominent benefits include simulated feedback and the need to repeat instructions out loud. Many car manufacturers rely on options from external developers, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Assistant.
Volkswagen becomes the first car manufacturer to officially adopt the renowned ChatGPT chatbot, which sparked the artificial intelligence arms race.
Volkswagen announces that it can integrate the ChatGPT chatbot in its cars thanks to the software company Cerence, with Cerence Chat Pro software working to enhance Volkswagen’s voice assistant to provide relevant answers to almost any imaginable question.
