Volkswagen, the renowned German automaker, has made a significant leap into the realm of artificial intelligence by incorporating the ChatGPT chatbot into its cars and SUVs. This innovative integration is part of Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant, with Cerence Chat Pro powering the voice-activated system. Users can activate the assistant by saying "Hello IDA" or pressing a designated button on the steering wheel.
The IDA voice assistant, guided by ChatGPT, seamlessly manages various vehicle functions, ranging from executing commands to searching for destinations and adjusting temperature settings. If a query surpasses the capabilities of the Volkswagen system, the request is forwarded anonymously to the AI, and the familiar Volkswagen voice promptly responds.
Volkswagen emphasizes that ChatGPT maintains a strict data protection protocol, ensuring that it doesn't access any vehicle data. Questions and answers are promptly deleted, upholding the highest level of privacy for users. This announcement was made during the 'CES 2024' event in Las Vegas.
The automaker has declared its intention to be the first volume manufacturer to introduce ChatGPT as a standard feature, starting from the second quarter of 2024, across numerous production vehicles. This chatbot will be available in conjunction with the latest infotainment systems in models like ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, along with the new Golf.
Kai Grunitz, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, expressed, “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.”
The ChatGPT-powered IDA voice assistant extends its capabilities beyond controlling infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning. It can also respond to general knowledge questions, and Volkswagen anticipates further enhancements as the AI capabilities continue to expand.
Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, stated, “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.” This collaboration is set to redefine the driving experience, making Volkswagen a pioneer in the integration of advanced AI technologies within its vehicles.