Volkswagen chose CES 2024 as the platform to launch the upcoming ChatGPT functionality in its vehicles, stating that the AI chatbot will be offered in its ID range of electric vehicles (via an over-the-air update in the corresponding vehicles), as well as in the Tiguan. , Passat and the upcoming Golfs with an internal combustion engine later this year.
To this end, VW has partnered with Cerence to leverage its “automotive-grade” Chat Pro AI platform, which enables ChatGPT integration. This extends the German brand’s existing IDA voice assistant so that it can now handle natural voice prompts both for controlling vehicle functionality and for broader queries.
VW claims it is the first “high-volume manufacturer” to do so, although Citroën’s premium brand DS Automobiles announced a similar system late last year.
In true CES style, we witnessed a clever video of actor Ewan McGregor asking IDA (and therefore ChatGPT) about kilts, whether they’re classified as formal wear, where to buy one, and then requesting his ‘Kilt Playlist’ ‘ of songs.
In addition to these types of generic queries, which Volkswagen says will be removed immediately to ensure the “highest level of data protection,” drivers and occupants can do things like monitor the temperature inside the cabin with vague statements, such as “I’m cold “. “, as well as routes to locations using natural speech.
In addition, the system can determine who made the query, whether the driver or the passenger, and will adjust the temperature only to that area, for example.
Using Cerence’s large language model also means that the technician can decipher what is required from a request, and further demonstration on stage reveals that a
The query “I need medicine” will direct you to the nearest pharmacy, while “I want to eat butter chicken” will suggest nearby Indian restaurants.
VW executives then went a step further by requesting a recipe for butter chicken, which ChatGPT promptly delivered, followed by a story about dinosaurs read by the system’s monotone and slightly creepy robotic voice to entertain the “kids in the back.” “. We don’t know why anyone would want this while driving, but it worked.
The AI Assistant Arms Race
Artificial intelligence and smart voice assistants are quickly becoming a recurring theme at this year’s CES, with several manufacturers highlighting the fact that they are working with AI partners to bring these features to their cars.
But it’s surprising that VW is the first, apparently rushing to integrate ChatGPT, perhaps in response to largely negative feedback about the clunky infotainment system found in its latest ID range of electric vehicles.
A possible privacy nightmare? VW says no, as Cerence Chat Pro ensures that ChatGPT does not gain access to any vehicle information.
The German automaker also says it’s possible to filter or block “inappropriate” content, although it couldn’t prove this as it would have to remove such inappropriate content, and that’s simply not appropriate for a CES audience.
Since ChatGPT is still in its infancy and prone to not answering queries correctly, VW feels a bit rushed bringing this to life as is. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, is first running a beta program to see if it really works.
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