Media post: AI in the Global Automotive Arena: Driving is Getting Smarter

In early January, at the CES 2024 technology conference in Las Vegas, several auto companies announced upgrades to infotainment systems. This also includes ChatGPT integration in new Volkswagen vehicles. Automakers are teaming up with big tech companies to add features that make driving easier, more comfortable, and enjoyable. So, for example, Microsoft is developing an AI-powered in-vehicle infotainment system for EVs.

In general, the AI concept is quite extensive. These are engineering and software solutions for activities that usually use human intelligence. In other words, these are programs and robots for physical and intellectual work that previously only people could do. In the future, we are talking about solving problems that exceed the capabilities of human intelligence. The applications of AI are numerous! When it comes to the connection between AI and the entertainment industry, video games and betting come first. Everyone knows that sports betting in the best Gamblorium online bookmakers can bring a good win. Besides, Nodar Giorgadze says that AI analysis tools are a real godsend for iGaming! They help determine the target audience and its preferences and upgrade, for example, bonus programs or sports betting forecasts.

Safety First!

Volkswagen has become the largest manufacturer to announce integration with artificial intelligence. But it’s far from the only automaker to do this. Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Tesla and Stellantis have all announced plans to create an AI assistant, whether it’s an off-the-shelf solution or just a future goal. In July 2023, Mercedes announced the addition of ChatGPT to the MBUX voice assistant. The pilot version was available for 3 months for 900,000 cars of the brand. The purpose was to gauge interest and create a database for the software, as real interaction is the best way to improve it.

Naturally, when using AI in the automotive industry, its main task is to provide an effective autopilot system. We are talking about sensors, cameras, radar, lidars, etc. These AI-based features process real-time information and help the driver make reasonable decisions. AI ensures complete road control. First, it recognizes cars, pedestrians, and obstacles! Secondly, it analyzes weather, traffic, driver behavior, etc. So, coming across unpredictable situations, the drivers can react correctly. This helps reduce fatigue in road accidents. 

CES 2024: The Best Automotive Tech New Products  

In 2023, Stellantis also announced a similar program for the DS Automobiles brand. The six-month trial period should have ended quite successfully. The vice president for OS at GM said that ChatGPT will be in everything. The company previously partnered with Google Cloud to create Onstar, an interactive virtual assistant that debuted in 2022. In 2023, the company announced the development of its own infotainment systems together with Google.

Tesla’s Grock intelligent system receives information from Social Network X to answer questions in the car. It may work like all other ChatGPT systems, but Musk decided to add a little wit and rebellion to the program. The company first released the system in November 2023, and updated versions appeared in February 2024.

Among the many digital upgrades in BMW vehicles, some of the most notable infotainment features involve the voice assistant. Using Amazon Alexa and generative AI, BMW and Amazon have shown how BMW’s intelligent personal assistant can practically talk to the driver in complex interactions. The voice assistant can answer questions and also help you control certain vehicle functions using just your voice. iDrive BMW will now use Amazon Alexa for the next generation of BMW voice assistant for BMW Operating System 9, due in 2025.

Mercedes has already boasted a huge optional 56-inch Hyperscreen screen on the front panel. The new 40.4-inch Super Display will feature the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the MBUX virtual assistant, and Amazon Audio with Audible and Amazon Music integration. The voice assistant is said to be more human-like and uses generative AI and 3D graphics with four different emotions. For example, when planning a route, the best visualizations will help you choose the path.

Potential AI Problems In The Automotive Industry

All this sounds amazing! Nevertheless, science fiction is in no hurry to become reality. There are still many challenges to be resolved regarding AI integration, and privacy issues. The biggest challenge with AI assistants is their reliability, as they regularly answer incorrectly in tests. In August 2023, a team of researchers from Purdue University asked 517 programming questions on Stack Overflow. They tested ChatGPT’s answers for accuracy, consistency, completeness, and conciseness. The results showed that ChatGPT produced 52% incorrect information.

This creates many risks. For example, you ask the AI ​​to direct you somewhere, but you end up in the wrong place. If you end up in the wrong coffee shop, it’s no big deal, but in an emergency when you’re looking for a hospital, it’s a matter of life and death. ChatGPT launched in November 2022, and within a few months, it became the fastest-growing software application in history. The following spring, the company introduced a subscription tier in addition to the free version. Shortly thereafter, ChatGPT announced major updates to its system infrastructure. Not long ago, the founder of OpenAI said that the site was visited by 100 million people a week.

Such growth entails enormous costs, and it is only a matter of time before these costs are passed on to users. AI integration will happen quickly once many users become accustomed to the system’s usefulness. In the future, we will see paid subscriptions in cars for AI assistants. Besides, the data the systems collect is of great importance. Everything that AI learns about the user will eventually be sold to companies that want to sell something to us. This can be used for targeted advertising on all devices, including the car.

Will AI Change The Automotive Industry & Driver Experience?

Sure, it will! All companies that implement AI assistants hope that these systems will become the new best friend on the road. The assistant will amuse you by playing trivial games or making up stories and allow you to find a destination, work out ideas, and get advice on everyday issues, just like a regular passenger can do. The integration of AI will allow the driver to use more features of his car. A 2021 JD Power study found that 61% of respondents had never used such in-vehicle technology, and 51% said they didn’t need it. The data will change when AI appears in more cars.