How Volkswagen Is Utilising AI to Enhance Its Digital Assistant -

If the VW online digital assistant is stumped, an AI-based tool steps in

AI has transformed every aspect of the automotive value chain from supplier networks to sale and post-sale activity. The integration of AI across the sector has massively boosted efficiency, innovation, and product quality.

Generative AI is being incorporated into vehicles by several large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enhance the customer experience.

Generative AI, or GenAI, integrates into voice assistants to provide drivers with more natural, enriching conversations as well as improving overall functionality. OEMs such as Volkswagen have incorporated ChatGPT into their voice assistants, giving the vehicles new capabilities such as temperature control, enhanced navigation, or general knowledge.

Indeed, Volkswagen is one of the first high-volume manufacturers to bring ChatGPT to its vehicles through a collaboration with technology partner Cerence. Cerence and Volkswagen first announced their collaboration to launch these new, generative AI-powered enhancements to the VW IDA in-car assistant at CES 2024 earlier this year.

VW says customers can communicate with their vehicle using natural language and will receive a range of additional information. ChatGPT can understand and respond to a wider range of queries and commands than traditional voice assistants, giving the driver more functionality and freedom to focus on driving. The new AI voice assistant uses GenAI and LLMs to offer several features beyond its previously available assistant. Volkswagen users who already have a VW Connect or VW Connect Plus can use the IDA with no additional app or measures needed, with an aim to create a single VW digital ecosystem.

The voice assistant is activated when a user either talks to it or touches a certain part of the steering wheel. The voice assistant will then answer any questions asked. When it does not have the answer itself, it anonymously checks ChatGPT to produce it. Volkswagen introduced ChatGPT into its IDA to alleviate voice assistant issues for functions such as temperature control, providing information on tourist locations, or just general knowledge.

Cerence says leveraging ChatGPT’s large language model means the VW IDA can provide credible and relevant responses to ‘nearly every query imaginable’. Built specifically for the in-car experience, Cerence Chat Pro leverages Cerence’s hybrid approach to deliver seamless interaction across both vehicle command and control features embedded in the car’s headunit as well as access to cloud-based content and real-time, web-based information.

Cerence Chat Pro is also now live in five languages – English (US), English (UK), German, Spanish, and Czech – across Volkswagen Group brands, including Volkswagen, Cupra, Seat, and Skoda, that use the IDA voice assistant. This includes all new Volkswagen ID. models, the updated Golf, the new Tiguan, and the new Passat, as well as legacy models.

Kai Grünitz, VW board member highlights the importance of rolling put new technologies at scale. “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies,” he says. “As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.”

“The Volkswagen and Cerence teams have together reached an important first milestone with the initial roll out of Cerence Chat Pro to drivers,” says Stefan Ortmanns, CEO, Cerence. “We are proud to partner with Volkswagen Group to deliver immediate value to their drivers as they look to leverage generative AI while on the go. These new capabilities – which will continue to expand – make the IDA voice assistant more knowledgeable, capable, and valuable than ever and enable a safer and more enjoyable journey.”

Volkswagen’s roll-out of Cerence Chat Pro will continue globally, including in the US, later this year and through early 2025, and including new features and improvements.

VW Group’s ‘AI Lab’

AI is also causing OEMs such as VW Group to re-examine their organisational set-ups with a view to maximising AI-based opportunities in all areas of innovation and process, as soon as possible. It’s a significant shift away from the more traditional linear tech development path that worked with established Tier 1 suppliers on automotive grade tech for end-goal launch on new vehicles. Earlier this year, VW Group created a new ‘AI Lab’ designed to act as a globally networked competence centre and incubator. It said the AI Lab will identify new product ideas connected with AI and collaborate with tech companies ‘as the need arises’.

“We aim to link external digital ecosystems with the vehicle, creating an even better product experience,” said Oliver Blume, CEO of the Volkswagen Group. “Collaboration with technology companies is crucially important for us. In future, we intend to simplify cooperation in organisational and cultural terms.”

The Volkswagen Group intends to simplify collaboration with technology companies with a view to making optimum use of the innovation potential and speed of the AI sector. The objective is to rapidly develop digital prototypes and transfer them to group brands for implementation.

The company also says it is committed to continually integrating new digital products with artificial intelligence in its vehicles and offering customers added value going beyond their cars. It is about a broader understanding of the emerging automotive or mobility ecosystem and where the vehicle fits in with digital lifestyles.

Among other items, Volkswagen sees considerable potential in high-performance speech recognition and services that connect users’ own digital environments with the vehicle. Extended vehicle functions will be equally important. These can include AI-optimized charging cycles for electric vehicles, predictive maintenance and the networking of vehicles with infrastructure, such as customers’ own homes (“smart home”).

Other AI applications in automotive

글로벌데이터의 Artificial Intelligence in Automotive report notes that AI has already transformed large swathes of the automotive value chain, boosting efficiency, innovation and product quality. It goes on to say that the technology will continue to revolutionise the industry, with the AI fields of machine learning (ML), computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP) all integral to the development of AVs.

GenAI has also been used on the retail side of the automotive industry. Chatbots and virtual sales assistants allow dealerships to handle customer queries with efficiency and give customers tailored suggestions, up-to-date vehicle knowledge, and even financing.

AI is the key to developing autonomous vehicles

Machine learning (ML), computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP) are all integral parts of autonomous vehicle (AV) development.

Machine learning is used to train AVs to recognize patterns in sensor data, make decisions, and improve their performance over time. Computer vision algorithms are used to process visual data from cameras and other sensors to detect and classify objects, such as pedestrians, vehicles, and road signs.

NLP allows AVs to understand commands, provide information, and communicate intentions, enhancing the overall user experience and safety of the vehicle. AI is the key to making sure AVs not only function but also adhere to regulations regarding vehicle and passenger safety.

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