At CES 2024, Volkswagen is unveiling a groundbreaking integration of the artificial intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant, marking the global premiere of this innovative technology. During the world’s leading electronics trade fair from January 9-12 in Las Vegas, Volkswagen is showcasing the first vehicles where ChatGPT is seamlessly incorporated into its IDA voice assistant.
In the future, customers will experience effortless access to the expanding artificial intelligence database across all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant. This integration allows users to have researched content read aloud to them while driving.
The foundation of this new feature is Cerence Chat Pro, provided by VW’s technology partner, Cerence Inc. This integration offers an exceptionally intelligent, automotive-grade ChatGPT experience. Starting from the second quarter of 2024, Volkswagen will be the first volume manufacturer to offer Chat GPT as a standard feature in numerous production vehicles.
The enhanced chatbot is introduced alongside the latest generation of infotainment in various models, including ID.703, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the new Tiguan, the new Passat, and the new Golf04. The integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant, powered by Cerence Chat Pro, introduces a wide range of capabilities beyond traditional voice control. This includes controlling infotainment, navigation, air conditioning, and answering general knowledge questions. The AI capabilities will continue to expand, providing additional information in response to diverse queries, enriching conversations, and enhancing the overall driving experience.
Importantly, ChatGPT does not access any vehicle data, ensuring a high level of data protection. Activation of the voice assistant is as simple as saying ‘Hello IDA’ or pressing the button on the steering wheel, without the need for new accounts or app installations. The IDA voice assistant prioritizes requests, and if it cannot provide an answer, the query is sent anonymously to AI, and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.
To maintain data protection, questions and answers are immediately deleted, facilitated by Cerence Chat Pro, which utilizes various sources, including ChatGPT, to ensure accurate and relevant responses. The collaboration prioritizes security and seamless integration with IDA’s capabilities, ensuring ease of use for drivers.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, emphasizes Volkswagen’s commitment to democratizing technology and making it accessible. Grünitz states that the seamless integration of ChatGPT is a testament to the brand’s innovative strength and dedication to providing added value to drivers.
Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, expresses pride in building on their partnership with Volkswagen, highlighting the automotive-grade ChatGPT integration’s flexibility, customization, and ease of deployment. Looking ahead, the collaboration aims to design a new, large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant.
