Volkswagen is going to add ChatGPT, a technology-driven by AI, to its newest infotainment systems. At today’s CES technology show, we saw how it worked. VW says that the chatbot feature makes voice controls better by being able to understand requests that aren’t clear. It will be regularly changed to make it work better. There has yet to be any word from VW about whether the AI system will be available in US models like the redesigned 2025 Golf GTI and the ID.4 SUV. However, ChatGPT will be released later this year in other countries. There was only a short time left until AI made its way into our cars. Volkswagen was the first mass-market car company to tip the scales. At CES today, they showed off a ChatGPT-based system that can reply to voice commands. The company has given the new virtual helper the name “Ida.” To use the feature, say “Hello Ida” or press a button on the driving wheel. It works the same way Apple Siri or Amazon Alexa do. Volkswagen is the only car company that uses ChatGPT, a voice-activated technology that they created with Cerence Inc. Mercedes, BMW, and other companies also make similar technologies. It was time to ask Ida a question We could test the new cloud-based software, which was used on the Volkswagen ID7’s huge touchscreen entertainment system. The interesting thing was the kinds of questions we could ask and the speed with which the machine answered, which was almost always correct. When we asked most voice-recognition software for help, like directions to the closest food store or weather reports, it answered. When we told VW’s chatbot that we needed directions to Indian restaurants close, it knew exactly what we meant. We even said dinner would be chicken tikka masala. When we asked the AI assistant what to do in Las Vegas, she gave us a list of famous things to do, such as going to the Neon Museum. When we asked IDA to “Tell us about the Neon Museum,” she gave us a full rundown, like a video tour guide. What amount of safety does it have? Naturally, Ida can do more basic things, like give you directions with voice commands and change the surroundings. Volkswagen says that the chatbot can’t access data about cars, doesn’t need to be registered, and quickly deletes requests and answers for people who are worried about security. The company Volkswagen says this is just the start. Many people who are interested in AI know that the software is meant to change over time and eventually become much more chatty, able to build on what it has been told and asked before. Cerence Chat Pro is also hosted in the cloud, which means that current VW models that are running the latest version of the company’s operating system will be able to get an over-the-air update that adds AI features. After the end of the year, all cars will be able to use chatbot technology. This includes the VW ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7, as well as the new Passat, Tiguan, and updated Golf. VW is currently thinking about whether to add the ChatGPT feature to cars sold in the US. Cars like the ID. Buzz and the new Golf GTI won’t be available until the beginning of 2025 if the company goes that route.
