Volkswagen introduces the first cars to feature an integrated voice assistant, IDA, powered by the ChatGPT chatbot based on artificial intelligence. In the future, all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant will offer passengers seamless access to an ever-growing database of artificial intelligence and will read out relevant content during driving.
The Cerence Chat Pro, derived from the technological partner Cerence Inc., forms the basis of this new feature, offering a uniquely intelligent integration of ChatGPT. Volkswagen will be the first mass-production manufacturer to offer ChatGPT as a standard feature across multiple production models.
The new chatbot will be available in conjunction with the latest generation infotainment in the ID family (ID.7, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3), the brand-new Tiguan and Passat, as well as the new Golf.
Activating the Cerence Chat Pro and integrating ChatGPT into the background of Volkswagen’s voice assistant will offer a plethora of new capabilities that significantly surpass previous voice controls.
For example, the IDA voice assistant can be used to control infotainment, navigation, climate control, or even answer general knowledge questions. This can be useful on many levels during a car journey:
Enriching conversations, clarifying questions, interacting in an intuitive language, gathering information about the car, and much more – safely and hands-free. Nothing changes for whoever is behind the wheel.
There’s no need to create a new account, install a new app, or activate ChatGPT: The voice assistant is activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel. IDA automatically prioritises whether to execute a car function, search for a destination, or adjust the temperature.
If the request cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system, it is anonymously forwarded to artificial intelligence, and the familiar Volkswagen voice responds.
ChatGPT does not access any car data as questions and answers are immediately deleted, ensuring the highest level of data protection. The feature also prioritises safety and seamless integration with the many capabilities of IDA, providing user-friendly convenience for drivers.
