Volkswagen brings ChatGPT to its cars for AI conversations, but is that a good idea?
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 applicable vehicles), as well as in Tiguan, Passat and upcoming Golf internal combustion engine cars later this year.
To do this, VW has partnered with Cerence to leverage its Chat Pro artificial intelligence platform, which powers ChatGPT integration. This extends the German brand's existing IDA voice assistant so that it can now process natural voice cues for both control over vehicle functionality and broader queries.
VW claims it is the first “volume manufacturer” to do this, although Citroen's premium brand DS Automobiles announced a similar system late last year.
In true CES fashion, we witnessed a slick video in which actor Ewan McGregor asked IDA – and therefore ChatGPT – about kilts, whether they qualify as formal wear, where you can buy one and then requested his 'Scottish playlist' of songs.
In addition to these types of general questions, which Volkswagen says it will immediately remove to ensure the “highest level of data protection,” drivers and occupants can do things like control the cabin temperature with vague statements, such as “I'm cold.” “, and route to locations using natural speech.
In addition, the system can determine who asked the question, whether it is the driver or the front passenger, and, for example, adjust the temperature only to that zone.
Using Cerence's large language model also means the engineer can decipher what is required of a request, with further on-stage demonstration revealing that a
The question 'I need medicine' leads to the nearest pharmacy, while 'I want to eat butter chicken' suggests Indian restaurants nearby.
VW executives then took it a step further by requesting a butter chicken recipe, 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.” Why anyone would want to do this while driving is beyond us, 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 a number of manufacturers highlighting that they are working with AI partners to bring these features to their cars.
But surprisingly, VW is the first to seemingly rush to integrate ChatGPT, perhaps in response to largely negative feedback on the clunky infotainment system in its latest ID range of electric vehicles.
A potential privacy nightmare? VW says no, because Cerence Chat Pro ensures that ChatGPT cannot access vehicle information.
The German automaker also says it's possible to filter or block “inappropriate” content, though it couldn't prove this because it would have to pull that inappropriate content, and that's just not appropriate for a CES audience.
Considering that ChatGPT is still in its infancy and prone to not answering questions correctly, it feels a bit hasty on VW's part to bring this to life as it is. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, is busy running a beta program to first see whether it actually works.
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