VW has just announced that it will install a new version of the virtual assistant IDA in its models, which integrates ChatGPT technology, to allow users to receive voice content during the trip.
The system was presented at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, resulting from a partnership between VW and Cerence, and will be available in the next-generation infotainment systems of the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, as well as the new Tiguan, and the revamped Golf, to be officially presented in February – which, by the way, was also shown at the American fair in its GTI version, although still “camouflaged” to prevent the external visual changes from being fully visible.
The new technology will allow controlling the infotainment system and answering general knowledge questions asked by users. However, in the future, the goal is for this Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution to establish a “dialogue” with the driver and interact in other ways, as revealed by VW in a statement.
Nothing changes for those behind the wheel. There is no need to create a new account, install a new application, or activate ChatGPT: the voice assistant is activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel.
The German brand also emphasized that ChatGPT does not access any vehicle data, and that the questions and answers are immediately deleted after the interaction between the system and the driver, to ensure the highest level of data protection. This is contributed by Cerence Chat Pro, which leverages a multitude of sources, including ChatGPT, to enable IDA to provide accurate and relevant answers to almost every imaginable query.
“The seamless integration of ChatGPT, and the strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, allows us to offer drivers added value and direct access to an AI-based research tool. This also underscores the innovative strength of our new products,” said Kai Grünitz, member of the VW Board of Management.
