Volkswagen has revolutionized driver-vehicle interaction by integrating ChatGPT, the advanced AI research tool, into its latest models equipped with the new-generation infotainment system. This upgrade enhances the IDA voice assistant’s capabilities, providing drivers with a more interactive and intuitive experience across vehicles such as the all-electric ID. family, the new Golf, Tiguan, and Passat.
Kai Grünitz, a Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, highlighted Volkswagen’s dedication to making advanced technologies widely accessible. “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratizing technologies. As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.” Grünitz stated.
Volkswagen’s current models already allow users to control systems like infotainment, navigation, and climate control via the IDA voice assistant. ChatGPT’s integration expands these capabilities, enabling drivers to receive information on tourist attractions, and historical events, and solve math problems through natural language interaction, all without diverting their attention from the road.
Designed for ease of use, the enhanced IDA voice assistant requires no additional accounts or apps for customers with existing VW Connect/VW Connect Plus accounts. Activation is simple with the command ‘Hello IDA’ or a button press on the steering wheel. Queries that the Volkswagen system cannot answer are forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT, ensuring privacy and data protection. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data, and all interactions are promptly deleted to maintain user privacy.
This innovative technology, available in English (US and UK), Spanish, Czech, and German, debuted in Volkswagen vehicles at CES 2024, a premier electronics trade show. The integration has been achieved through collaboration with Cerence, a leader in automotive AI solutions, whose Cerence Chat Pro leverages several sources, including ChatGPT, to provide precise and relevant responses to driver queries.
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