Volkswagen unveiled a new feature at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas: integrating ChatGPT into their vehicles’ voice assistants, revolutionizing in-car interactions.
Volkswagen’s announcement at CES has set a new benchmark in automotive technology. By incorporating ChatGPT into their IDA voice assistant, VW is transforming how drivers interact with their vehicles. This innovative step, expected to launch in North America and Europe in Q2 this year, marks a significant leap in automotive AI integration.
The collaboration between VW and Cerence, a U.S. multinational software company specializing in AI assistance for cars, has led to this pioneering development. With this integration, the voice assistant can interpret and respond to various needs, from adjusting the temperature upon hearing “I feel cold” to locating the nearest Indian restaurant when craving butter chicken.
Kai Gruenitz, a member of VW’s technology development board, emphasized the system’s ease of use, eliminating the need for physical buttons. This hands-free approach signifies a leap towards more intuitive car control. Furthermore, VW ensures user privacy, as conversations with the assistant are promptly deleted to maintain the highest data protection standards.
Despite some skepticism about the pace of AI advancements in automotive technology, particularly in autonomous driving, VW’s initiative represents a significant step forward. This feature surpasses current capabilities, allowing seamless, intuitive use of the vehicle’s functions, integrating even with systems like Apple CarPlay and Android.
Cerence’s announcement about collaborating with VW to provide a unique, intelligent, car-grade ChatGPT experience through Cerence Chat Pro furthers this advancement. It enables drivers and passengers to engage in meaningful conversations with the voice assistant, using various AI models, including ChatGPT, for accurate and relevant responses. This integration demonstrates VW’s commitment to enhancing driving efficiency and entertainment through generative AI.