Volkswagen brings ChatGPT into new models

MANILA: Volkswagen has unveiled the first vehicles with artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot ChatGPT at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 held at Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

ChatGPT is integrated into the car’s IDA voice assistant, allowing users to access a constantly growing AI database and have researched content read aloud to them will they drive.

The chatbot is available with the latest version of the infotainment systems of the Volkswagen ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, Tiguan, Passat, and Golf.

Made possible by automotive assistant developer Cerence Chat Pro, the integration of ChatGPT into the Volkswagen voice assistant’s backend opens up a plethora of additional features. For instance, the IDA voice assistant can now be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air-conditioning systems, as well as answer general knowledge questions.

The voice assistant will be activated by simply saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. There is no need for the driver to sign up for a new account, install a new app, or turn on ChatGPT. If the request cannot be responded by the Volkswagen system, it is automatically forwarded to AI.

“Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply 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. Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products,” Volkswagen Board of Management for Development Member Kai Grunitz stated.

For Cerence’s part Chief Executive Officer Stefan Ortmanns said, “We are proud to build on our automotive expertise and our long-standing partnership with Volkswagen to offer its customers new innovations that leverage generative AI and large language models – even after they have purchased a vehicle. With Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customization, and ease of deployment, while prioritizing security and usability for drivers.”

“As we look to the future, together Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new, large-language-model-based user experience as the foundation of Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant,” he added.

Volkswagen also guaranteed that ChatGPT does not have access to any vehicle data. Queries and responses are immediately deleted to ensure data protection.

Photos from Volkswagen

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