Amit Saraswat 
Volkswagen has unveiled an intriguing integration at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, as it announces the incorporation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its existing Intelligent Drive Assistant (IDA) voice assistant. This integration is slated to be available in several Volkswagen models later this year.
For those unfamiliar with ChatGPT, it is an AI chatbot designed to emulate human conversations, showcasing both positive and negative aspects. Volkswagen’s decision to integrate ChatGPT into the IDA voice assistant is not intended to replace the automaker’s factory system. Instead, it will function as a backup assistant, stepping in when IDA encounters queries without clear answers. Theoretically, users could pose a variety of questions to their vehicle, and ChatGPT is expected to provide witty or relevant responses.
Volkswagen remains discreet about the depth of conversation one can engage in with their vehicle using ChatGPT. While the press release claims that the system can “provide relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable,” specific details are lacking.
Addressing potential security concerns, Volkswagen emphasises that the ChatGPT integration does not access vehicle data, ensuring that personal information remains within the confines of the vehicle. Moreover, the automaker assures users that all questions posed are promptly deleted, underscoring the privacy and security measures in place. This approach aims to safeguard against any potentially sensitive queries users might pose.
The seamless integration of ChatGPT with Volkswagen’s existing infotainment system ensures a user-friendly experience, with no additional steps required to utilise the feature. The familiar voice of the system remains unchanged, maintaining continuity for users accustomed to the current setup.
Kai Grünitz, a member of the Board of Management for Volkswagen, technical development, highlighted the brand’s commitment to democratising technology, making it accessible to a broad audience. According to Grünitz, Volkswagen takes pride in being the first volume manufacturer to incorporate this innovative technology as a standard feature in vehicles from the compact segment and beyond.
While the ChatGPT functionality is expected to debut in European markets in the second quarter of 2024, it is undergoing approval processes in the United States. However, a specific timeline for its potential incorporation into the U.S. market remains undisclosed, leaving American consumers awaiting further details.
