Artificial intelligence in vehicles
VW brings ChatGPT into current models
At CES 2024, Volkswagen is cooperating with Cerence to present the first vehicles in which the ChatGPT AI chatbot is integrated into the IDA voice assistant. It is important to note that ChatGPT's own data is protected, meaning that it has no access to vehicle data.
In future, customers in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant will be able to seamlessly access the constantly growing AI database and have researched content read out to them while driving and interact with the car in natural language.
The Cerence Chat Pro program from VW technology partner Cerence is the basis of the new function. This makes Volkswagen the first volume manufacturer to offer ChatGPT in the first markets and in series production in many models from the second quarter of 2024.
New possibilities for voice control
The new chatbot will be offered in conjunction with the latest infotainment generation in the following models ID.7, ID.5, ID.4, ID.3, new Tiguan and new Passat as well as in the new Golf. The integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant offers a multitude of new possibilities that go far beyond the previous voice control.
Control convenience functions, receive information
The IDA voice assistant can be used to control infotainment, navigation and air conditioning, for example, or to answer general knowledge questions. In the future, AI will be able to provide a lot more information as part of its constantly growing capabilities. This can be particularly helpful on a car journey: AI can enrich conversations, answer questions and much more - all in the interests of safety in intuitive and natural language, without losing sight of the traffic.
Intuitive use
Volkswagen customers can use the IDA voice assistant as usual. There is no need to create a new account, install a new app or activate ChatGPT. The digital assistant is activated with »Hello IDA« or the button on the steering wheel.
IDA automatically recognizes whether a vehicle function is to be executed, a destination searched for or the temperature changed. Only if the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system is it forwarded anonymously to the AI and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.
No access to vehicle data
ChatGPT does not gain any access to the vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately in the interests of data protection. This is made possible by the Cerence Chat Pro program, which uses a variety of sources, including ChatGPT. The feature also emphasizes security and seamless integration with IDA's features to make it easy for drivers to use.
Democratizing technology
»Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to many. This is simply part of our DNA. And so we are now the first volume manufacturer to bring this innovative technology to vehicles from the compact segment upwards. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT, we are offering drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool,« explains Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Volkswagen.
