The German automaker Volkswagen recently revealed at CES 2024 that it will integrate ChatGPT into its range of vehicles in the second half of 2024. CES is the world’s leading annual electronics trade show that is organized by the Consumer Technology Association. It is scheduled to be held from January 9 to 12 in Las Vegas.
The trade show brings in many technological showcases, and various automotive manufacturers are also utilizing this platform to announce new technical features. Volkswagen has started the new year by introducing a new technological advancement for its automobiles by integrating ChatGPT AI. The AI application will work with the IDA in-car voice assistant. According to the manufacturer, the customers would now get to research content even when they are driving the car, and the in-car voice assistant would reach out the content to them.
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The chatbot is being offered in conjunction with a new generation of infotainment in several models, including the Passat, Golf, and Tiguan. It will also be available in VW’s ID family of EVs, such as ID.5, ID.4, ID.7, and ID.3. This feature will first come to Europe and later to US customers. The auto giant has named this new AI feature Cerence Chat Pro. The new feature will be useful for not just doing research, but it will also be able to manage the air conditioning, navigation, infotainment, and answering GK questions.
Customers will not have to create an account in order to access the feature; instead, they will need to install a new application or simply activate ChatGPT. The feature will be activated by just saying ‘Hello IDA’ or by pushing the button on the steering wheel. IDA will automatically manage the vehicle functions by checking if any function should be executed, the temperature adjusted, or a destination searched. In case the VK’s system fails to respond to the request, it will forward it anonymously to artificial intelligence, and the familiar Volkswagen voice will respond.
The company said that the new feature does not have access to any vehicle data, and questionnaires are also erased immediately to provide customers with the highest level of data safety.
Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development, Mr. Kai Grünitz, says, “Volkswagen has always democratised technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment upwards. 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. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products.”