Volkswagen unveils ChatGPT integrated vehicle for the first time at 2024 CES… Installed in new Golf

Volkswagen unveiled its first vehicle that integrates the IDA voice assistant with an artificial intelligence-based chatbot, Chat GPT, at the CES 2024 (CES 2024), the world’s largest home appliance and IT exhibition, on the 8th (local time)..

Through this, customers can seamlessly access the continuously upgraded artificial intelligence database in Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the IDA voice assistant and check searched content while driving. ‘Cerence Chat Pro’ from Cerence, a voice recognition technology partner, provides an unrivaled in-vehicle ChatGPT integration function based on the Volkswagen IDA function.

Volkswagen’s ChatGPT function will be applied to vehicles produced starting in the second quarter of this year. It is provided with the latest infotainment system for electric vehicles including ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, and ID.7, as well as Tiguan, Passat, and Golf models. As a result, Volkswagen is expected to become the first mass automobile manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature.

Volkswagen has integrated ChatGPT, supported by Serence Chat Pro, into the Volkswagen voice assistant backend to provide a variety of new features that go beyond previous voice control functions. The IDA voice assistant can control infotainment, navigation, air conditioning, or answer questions based on general knowledge. As part of its ever-expanding capabilities, AI will be able to provide a wider range of additional information to questions. Through this, it can be useful in various aspects such as interacting with intuitive language and having rich conversations, resolving questions, and receiving vehicle-related information without direct operation during car travel.

Drivers can activate the voice assistant function by saying ‘Hello, IDA’ or by pressing a button on the steering wheel, without the need to create a new account or install an app. The IDA voice assistant automatically prioritizes vehicle function execution, destination search, climate control, etc., and if Volkswagen’s standard system cannot provide a sufficient response to the driver’s request, it anonymously passes it on to AI for processing.

ChatGPT does not access vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure the highest possible level of data protection. Serence Chat Pro leverages multiple sources, including ChatGPT, to enable the IDA voice assistant to provide accurate and relevant responses to the range of inquiries imaginable. It also prioritizes security and provides driver convenience through seamless integration with the numerous features of the IDA voice assistant.

Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Development Board Member, said: “Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to many people, and this is deeply rooted in our DNA. “As a result, we are the first mass production company to offer this innovative technology as a standard feature on vehicles in the compact segment and above.” Grünitz continued, “Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner Cerence, drivers will have direct access to added value and AI-based research tools, which will be an innovative strength of our new product.” .

“Building on our automotive expertise and long-standing partnership with Volkswagen, we are proud to offer new innovations that allow customers to leverage technologies such as AI even after purchasing a vehicle,” said Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Serence. “Going forward, Volkswagen and Cerence will continue to seek collaboration to design a new LLM (large-language-model) user experience that will serve as the basis for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-vehicle assistant.” He added, “With Serence Chat Pro, Volkswagen has ChatGPT integration with exceptional flexibility, personalization, and ease of deployment while prioritizing security and ease of use for drivers.”

Editor Taejin Kim tj.kim@carguy.kr