Volkswagen has unveiled plans to introduce an AI-powered chatbot into all of its models equipped with IDA voice assistant, beginning in Europe in the second quarter of this year. The move aims to cater to drivers who desire an AI-based chatbot to read researched content aloud to them while on the road. This new feature is made possible through Volkswagen’s collaboration with software company Cerence and its Chat Pro product.
Initially, the AI chatbot will be available in Volkswagen’s lineup of electric vehicles, including the ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.3, as well as popular models such as the Tiguan, Passat, and Golf. However, the feature will not be available in Volkswagen models in the United States, although the possibility is being considered.
Volkswagen joins Mercedes-Benz as one of the few automakers to incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into their vehicles. By integrating ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant, Volkswagen enhances its infotainment system, navigation, and air conditioning controls while providing drivers with a conversational AI experience and the ability to obtain vehicle-specific information.
Beyond the basic functionalities, Volkswagen promises that ChatGPT will enrich conversations, address inquiries, interact in intuitive language, and provide a range of hands-free services. Drivers will continue to activate the IDA voice assistant using the familiar “Hello IDA” wake word or the steering wheel button. If the voice assistant encounters a request outside its capabilities, it will anonymously forward the query to AI for a response, seamlessly incorporating ChatGPT’s features into the driver’s experience.
This integration with ChatGPT is only the first step for Volkswagen and Cerence, as they plan to develop a new large language model (LLM)-based user experience for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant. This collaboration aims to take Volkswagen’s voice assistant capabilities to a whole new level in creating an enhanced and intuitive user interface.
It is worth noting that this initiative by Volkswagen is separate from the ongoing efforts of Cariad, the software division of the VW Group. Cariad was established in 2020 to address Volkswagen’s software challenges but has faced its own set of hurdles, including a delayed software launch and management changes.