According to Les Ford, ChatGPT will be integrated into Volkswagen’s cars in Europe this season. This integration will allow individuals to inquire about various topics such as life, the cosmos, and more, with the software providing responses.
The German automaker has revealed that the OpenAI chatbot will be accessible through VW’s Ida voice-controlled assistant, which was initially introduced in 2023 and showcased at the CES event in Las Vegas this week.
Ida comes pre-installed in Volkswagen’s ID. 7, ID. 4, ID. 5, and ID. models, including the latest Tiguan, Passat, and Golf variants, offering three all-electric options. Users with Ida-equipped vehicles can utilize ChatGPT without the need for creating an account, downloading an app, or opting in. The integration of voice-based controls into Volkswagen’s vehicles was catalyzed by Ida’s introduction, leading to the seamless integration of ChatGPT.
Ida can now respond to common inquiries about weather updates, stock prices, sports events, and other relevant topics while driving. Activation can be done by pressing a button on the steering wheel or by saying “Hello Ida” to wake the system.
Some caution against using the word “idea” in a Volkswagen vehicle as it may inadvertently activate Ida. Additionally, users can instruct the software to adjust the car’s temperature, manage the information system, select routes, and more.
Volkswagen has entrusted Cerence, a company established in 2019 from Nuance (now owned by Microsoft), with the task of integrating ChatGPT into Ida, providing seamless access to the application while driving.
Ida is designed to recognize requests specific to the vehicle, such as adjusting the air conditioning or setting directions, upon activation. If it can fulfill the task independently, it will do so; otherwise, Cerence’s systems may be engaged, potentially involving ChatGPT to address queries and generate responses.
Volkswagen emphasizes data security by ensuring that questions and answers are promptly deleted, preventing ChatGPT from accessing any vehicle-related information. Cerence Chat Pro, incorporating various sources including ChatGPT, aids Ida in addressing a wide range of queries, prioritizing user convenience and integration with Ida’s features.
Volkswagen’s approach reflects a commitment to privacy and security, offering hands-free assistance that may prove beneficial while driving or resolving minor issues, potentially reducing distractions caused by mobile phones. The introduction of ChatGPT in Europe marks Volkswagen as the second major manufacturer to provide this feature as a standard offering, hinting at potential global expansion in the future.
Deloitte’s Implementation of Large Language Models
Deloitte has deployed an internal large language model to assist its 75,000 employees in tasks such as drafting emails, creating presentations, coding, and resolving system issues.
The application, named PairD, was developed internally by Deloitte’s AI Institute and will be accessible to 800 individuals from the UK charity Scope, as well as employees in Europe and the Middle East. Deloitte has trained its employees to utilize chatbots for task automation.
Richard Houston, CEO of Deloitte UK, emphasizes the importance of leveraging relational AI to promote social equality and accessibility to advanced technology for all individuals.
While PairD offers significant utility, like all large language models, it may occasionally provide inaccurate information. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and completeness of the chatbot’s outputs, as there is a possibility of misinformation.
PwC, a competitor of Deloitte, has also ventured into leveraging OpenAI’s technology for internal applications. The company has taken measures to ensure data security by operating within a secure Microsoft Azure environment to prevent data breaches.
Furthermore, PwC is collaborating with OpenAI and Harvey, another large language model developer, to enhance services in areas such as tax, legal, and HR through advanced speech models. This adoption of relational AI is anticipated to revolutionize consulting services significantly.
As companies embrace AI technologies, safeguarding proprietary data from unauthorized exposure is crucial. Several organizations, including Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, Samsung, have restricted the use of ChatGPT and similar services to prevent inadvertent disclosure of trade secrets or sensitive information outside their organizational boundaries.
