Volkswagen Integrates ChatGPT into its Vehicles

Volkswagen announced it will present the first vehicles in which the artificial intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its IDA voice assistant at CES 2024, according to the company's news release.

In the future, customers will have access to the constantly growing artificial intelligence database in all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant and have researched content read out to them while driving.

Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc. is the foundation of the new function, which offers an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration.

Volkswagen Joining Automaker in ChatGPT Integration

Volkswagen is the first volume manufacturer that will offer ChatGPT as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles.

Other automakers have incorporated ChatGPT into their vehicles.

In May 2023, A company executive at General Motors said it was exploring uses for generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT as part of its broader collaboration with Microsoft.

Just after the GM announcement, Mercedes-Benz announced it is expanding the use of artificial intelligence and integrating it into the voice control of its vehicles by adding ChatGPT.

Where Will the Chatbot be Offered?

The new chatbot will be offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the following models: ID.71, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the new Passat as well as in the new Golf.

Enabled by Cerence Chat Pro, the integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant offers new capabilities that go beyond the previous voice control.

For example, the IDA voice assistant can be used, for example, to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions.

Volkswagen said there is no need to create a new account, install a new app, or activate ChatGPT. The voice assistant is activated by saying "Hello IDA" or by pressing the button on the steering wheel. IDA automatically prioritizes whether a vehicle function should be executed, a destination searched and the temperature adjusted.

If the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is forwarded anonymously to AI and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.

ChatGPT does not gain any access to vehicle data; questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure the highest possible level of data protection. This is facilitated by Cerence Chat Pro, which leverages multiple sources, including ChatGPT, to enable IDA to provide relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable.

"Volkswagen has always democratized 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 to 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," said Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development.