The latest breakthrough in automotive technology was unveiled at CES 2024, as Volkswagen announced the integration of the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its vehicles. This pioneering move marks a significant advancement in artificial intelligence and automotive engineering, promising to enhance the driving experience with seamless access to a vast database of AI-generated information.
Volkswagen’s integration of ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant, powered by Cerence Chat Pro technology, represents a significant leap forward for the automotive industry. This feature, set to be standard in many Volkswagen models from the second quarter of 2024, brings drivers a new level of interactivity and convenience. The integration covers popular models like ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, Tiguan, Passat, and the new Golf, offering a wide range of users the opportunity to experience this cutting-edge technology.
The capabilities of the IDA voice assistant, now enhanced by ChatGPT, include controlling infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning systems, as well as answering general knowledge questions. With AI’s ever-expanding database, the assistant will continue to evolve, providing increasingly sophisticated responses and assistance. The implementation is designed to be user-friendly and secure, with no need for additional accounts or installations. The simple activation command “Hello IDA” or a press of a button on the steering wheel is all it takes to engage the system.
Volkswagen and Cerence Inc. have prioritized data protection in this innovation. The system ensures that all interactions are anonymized and promptly deleted, maintaining the highest level of data privacy. The integration highlights the strength of the partnership between Volkswagen and Cerence, showcasing their commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technology in a secure and user-friendly package.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, highlights the brand’s ethos, stating, “Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many. This is ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards.” He emphasizes the added value and direct access to AI-based research tools that this integration offers drivers.
Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, echoes this sentiment, expressing pride in their partnership with Volkswagen and the innovations it brings. “With Cerence Chat Pro, VW is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customization, and ease of deployment while prioritizing security and usability for drivers,” Ortmanns adds. He also hints at future collaborations to design a new large-language-model-based user experience for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant.
The integration of ChatGPT into Volkswagen vehicles is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a new chapter in automotive history. This collaboration between Volkswagen and Cerence is set to redefine the driving experience, offering drivers a unique blend of convenience, innovation, and security. As we look forward to the widespread adoption of this technology, it’s clear that Volkswagen is leading the charge in bringing AI into the everyday life of drivers.
