On January 8th (local time), Volkswagen unveiled its first vehicle integrating the IDA voice assistant with the AI-based chatbot, ChatGPT, at the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT show, CES 2024.
This allows customers to seamlessly access an evolving AI database while using Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the IDA voice assistant, enabling them to check searched content even while driving. The collaboration with Cerence, a partner specializing in voice recognition technology, provides a unique vehicle-specific ChatGPT integration feature based on Volkswagen’s IDA capabilities.
The ChatGPT functionality from Volkswagen is set to be applied to vehicles produced starting from the second quarter of this year. It will be available with the latest infotainment systems in electric models such as the ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, and ID.7, as well as in the Tiguan, Passat, and Golf models. This positions Volkswagen to become the first mass automotive manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature.
Volkswagen integrates ChatGPT into its voice assistant backend, supported by Cerence’s Chat Pro, offering a range of new functionalities that surpass previous voice control capabilities. The IDA voice assistant can control infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, as well as answer questions based on general knowledge. AI will continually expand its capabilities, providing a wider range of additional information in response to inquiries. This allows for intuitive interactions in natural language during car trips, enriching conversations, addressing curiosities, and providing vehicle-related information without direct manipulation.
Drivers can activate the voice assistant by saying “Hello, IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel, without needing to create a new account or install an app. The IDA voice assistant automatically prioritizes vehicle functionality execution, destination searches, and temperature adjustments, and when the standard Volkswagen system cannot adequately respond to the driver’s requests, it anonymously passes the queries to AI for processing.
ChatGPT does not have access to vehicle data, while questions and responses are deleted immediately to ensure the highest level of data protection. Cerence Chat Pro utilizes multiple sources, including ChatGPT, to enable the IDA voice assistant to provide accurate and relevant responses to inquiries conceivable within its capacity. Additionally, this prioritizes security and offers convenience through the seamless integration of numerous IDA voice assistant functionalities.
Kai Grünitz, a member of the board responsible for Volkswagen brand development, stated, “Volkswagen has always aimed to democratize technology to ensure that many can benefit from it, which is deeply rooted in Volkswagen’s DNA. As a result, we have become the first mass production company to provide this innovative technology as a standard feature in vehicles larger than the compact segment.” He emphasized, “Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and the strong collaboration with our partner Cerence, drivers now have direct access to added value and AI-based research tools, which will be an innovative strength for our new products.”
Stephan Oetmann, CEO of Cerence, expressed, “Based on automotive expertise and our long partnership with Volkswagen, we are proud to provide this new innovation that enables customers to leverage AI and other technologies even after purchasing their vehicle. Volkswagen and Cerence will continue to seek collaboration to design a new large-language-model user experience that will serve as the foundation for Volkswagen’s next-generation vehicle assistants.” He added, “With Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen gains an integration of ChatGPT that prioritizes security and user convenience while offering exceptional flexibility, customization, and ease of deployment for drivers.”
Jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr