New Delhi: At CES 2024, the prestigious electronics trade fair held from January 9 to 12, Volkswagen is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature – the integration of the artificial intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant. This innovation marks a significant leap forward in in-car technology, offering Volkswagen customers seamless access to an ever-expanding artificial intelligence database.What is Cerence Chat ProPowered by technology partner Cerence Inc., the foundation of this new function is Cerence Chat Pro. This technology facilitates a sophisticated and automotive-grade integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the IDA voice assistant, setting a new standard in intelligent vehicle assistance. Volkswagen is poised to be the first volume manufacturer to roll out ChatGPT as a standard feature, starting from the second quarter of 2024, across a range of production vehicles.Elevating infotainment experienceThe new ChatGPT integration will be available in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment systems in models such as ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan, and the all-new Passat, as well as the new Golf. This collaboration unlocks a myriad of capabilities beyond traditional voice control, enhancing functionalities related to infotainment, navigation, air conditioning, and more.AI-powered capabilitiesEnabled by Cerence Chat Pro, ChatGPTs integration offers a host of new capabilities. Users can engage the IDA voice assistant to control various in-car features, seek navigation guidance, adjust climate settings, or even seek answers to general knowledge questions. The AIs evolving capabilities promise to provide additional information, enrich conversations, and enhance the overall driving experience.Seamless user experienceVolkswagen ensures a seamless user experience for drivers. Activating ChatGPT is as simple as saying Hello IDA or pressing the steering wheel button. The IDA voice assistant automatically determines the priority of requests, whether its executing a vehicle function, searching for a destination, or adjusting temperature settings. If a request surpasses the Volkswagen systems capabilities, it is redirected to AI anonymously, and the familiar Volkswagen voice delivers the response.Data protection, securityCrucially, ChatGPT does not access any vehicle data, ensuring a high level of data protection. Questions and answers are promptly deleted, maintaining a robust privacy framework. Cerence Chat Pro leverages diverse sources, including ChatGPT, to empower IDA with accurate and relevant responses while upholding security and seamless integration.Volkswagens commitment to innovationKai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for Technical Development, affirms, 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.Future collaborations with CerenceStefan Ortmanns, CEO of Cerence, expresses pride in the long-standing partnership with Volkswagen and states, As we look to the future, together Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new, large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience as the foundation of Volkswagens next-generation in-car assistant.In conclusion, Volkswagens integration of ChatGPT into the IDA voice assistant at CES 2024 signifies a significant stride towards enhancing in-car interactions, setting new benchmarks in automotive artificial intelligence.
