The German-based firm, Volkswagen, has set the pace in the automobile industry as it made public the unification of ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant.
🔜 With the beginning second quarter of 2024, @volkswagen will be the first volume manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as voice control feature in many models and markets.
💡 This gives you many new opportunities which go far beyond today's voice control!#CES24 pic.twitter.com/w6mMxlcEdu
— Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) January 8, 2024
With a launch date set for the second quarter of 2024, the company issued the statement in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which commenced on the 9th of this month. Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, this move is setting the standard for Volkswagen as the first volume manufacturer to standardize ChatGPT in numerous production models.
Also read: Volkswagen joins into the metaverse
AI adoption in automobiles
Artificial intelligence has seen immense adoption in multiple industries and markets since its inauguration, including the automobile sector. This adoption spans from the development of self-driving vehicles to the use of AI in manufacturing and other applications. Consequently, Volkswagen’s statement to embrace ChatGPT in its IDA didn’t come as a surprise. This move hints at not just enhancing in-car technology but also raising the bar in the automotive industry by marrying advanced AI capabilities with everyday driving.
In a blog post, the automobile manufacturer made it clear that the new chatbot will be presented in conjunction with the most recent generation of infotainment in various models. These models include the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, not leaving the new Golf. Moreover, the chatbot, sanctioned by Cerence Chat Pro, is set to hold out a variety of new capabilities far beyond traditional voice control systems. Imagine having control over your car’s infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning or obtaining answers to general knowledge questions all through the power of voice. The IDA voice assistant is designed to make this a reality, altering every journey into a seamless and interactive experience.
“The IDA voice assistant can be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions.“
User-friendly voice assistant
To simply activate the voice assistant, one is required to only utter the word ‘Hello, IDA’ or press a button on the steering wheel. The system has been programmed to intelligently prioritize requests and execute commands related to vehicle functions, navigation, or climate control. Notably, when faced with queries beyond its scope, IDA discreetly liaises with AI, maintaining the user’s anonymity, and responds in the familiar, trusted voice of Volkswagen.
“If the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is forwarded anonymously to AI, and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.”
Most importantly, the blending spells the highest standards of data privacy, ensuring ChatGPT does not have access to vehicle data. In addition, responses generated by ChatGPT are immediately deleted post-interaction, a process overseen by Cerence Chat Pro. This sophisticated system draws from a vast array of sources, including ChatGPT, enabling IDA to deliver precise and relevant answers to an extensive range of driver queries. Emphasizing both security and user-friendliness, this feature merges with IDA’s diverse functionalities, offering drivers an exceptional ease of use.
“The feature also prioritises security and seamless integration with IDA’s myriad capabilities, delivering ease of use for drivers.”
Joint effort for enhanced AI solutions
Kai Grünitz, a member of the board of management of the Volkswagen brand for technical development, expressed his optimism towards the company. He emphasized that Volkswagen’s DNA has always democratized technology and made it accessible to many.
“Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA.”
On the same accord, Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, expressed his gratitude for the joint effort, acknowledging that the Cerence Chat Pro offers Volkswagen users flexibility and enhanced use cases.
“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.”
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