The chatbot, ChatGPT, is a text-generating AI developed by OpenAI. It will be integrated into the backend of Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant, which drivers use to control infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. If the voice assistant can't handle a request, it will be forwarded to the AI. Volkswagen and Cerence also plan to explore collaboration on a new large language model-based user experience for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant. This development is separate from the work of Cariad, the software arm of parent company VW Group.
Key takeaways:
- Volkswagen announced plans to integrate an AI-powered chatbot into all its models equipped with the IDA voice assistant, starting with Europe in the second quarter.
- The AI chatbot is based on Cerence’s Chat Pro product and will be included in Volkswagen’s line of EVs and new Tiguan, Passat, and Golf vehicles.
- Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new, large language model (LLM)-based user experience for Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant.
- This rollout is separate from the work of Cariad, the software arm of parent company VW Group, which was formed in 2020 to solve VW’s struggles with software.