Volkswagen, a pioneer in democratizing automotive technology, revealed a groundbreaking integration of the artificial intelligence-based chatbot, ChatGPT, into its IDA voice assistant at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. Developed in collaboration with technology partner Cerence Inc., the new functionality is set to redefine the driving experience for customers of Volkswagen’s MEB and MQB evo models.
Cerence Chat Pro, the foundation of this innovative feature, enables seamless access to ChatGPT within the IDA voice assistant, providing users with a dynamic and intelligent interaction. Set to debut in 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 integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant, powered by Cerence Chat Pro, goes beyond traditional voice control. In addition to controlling infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, the IDA voice assistant can now respond to general knowledge questions and provide AI-driven information during drives. This groundbreaking technology enriches conversations, answers questions, and facilitates intuitive language interactions—all while keeping drivers hands-free.
The new chatbot is set to be available in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in various models, including ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, as well as in the new Golf.
For drivers, the integration is seamless, requiring no new accounts, app installations, or activations. Activating the voice assistant is as simple as saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. The voice assistant prioritizes requests, executing vehicle functions, searching destinations, or adjusting temperature based on user commands. If a request falls outside the Volkswagen system’s capabilities, it is directed anonymously to AI, and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.
Notably, ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle data, ensuring the highest level of data protection. Cerence Chat Pro leverages various sources, including ChatGPT, to enable IDA to deliver accurate and relevant responses to nearly every conceivable query.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development, highlighted the brand’s commitment to democratizing technology, stating, “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.”
Stefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “With Cerence Chat Pro, VW is empowered with an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration that offers unmatched flexibility, customization, and ease of deployment, while prioritizing security and usability for drivers.”
As Volkswagen looks towards the future, the collaboration with Cerence aims to explore a new, large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience as the foundation of Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant. The debut of ChatGPT at CES 2024 marks a significant step in advancing AI integration within the automotive landscape.
