Google and Volkswagen partner to integrate AI into smartphone app
Google and Volkswagen have partnered up to deploy generative AI within the automotive company’s mobile app. The companies announced the collaboration on Tuesday (Sept. 24), as Google attempts to gain a competitive edge by providing solutions for building enterprise AI applications.
Volkswagen is using Google Cloud’s AI and machine learning capabilities, as well as expertise from Google Cloud Consulting, to power Volkswagen’s new myVW Virtual Assistant and provide motorists with access to critical vehicle information and services. The new assistant will be available for MY24 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport owners.
Customers in cars doing demos, @VW edition.
Check out Volkswagen's MyVW Virtual Assistant in action—connecting its cars, customers, and the cloud ↓ #GeminiAtWork pic.twitter.com/qOcemBJz02
— Google Cloud (@googlecloud) September 24, 2024
Consequently, drivers will be able to ask the in-app assistant questions like “How do I change a flat tire?”, or “What does this digital cockpit indicator light mean?” Users can also use it to see helpful information and context on indicator lights simply by pointing their smartphone camera at their dashboards.
The AI assistant uses Volkswagen’s connected car data with Gemini models on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform to deliver information to users. It also utilizes data from manuals, step-by-step guides, as well as Volkswagen’s own YouTube channel to tune Gemini’s models.
It’s not the first time the tech giant has reached out to the automotive industry. In July, ReadWrite reported that Google’s owner Alphabet was spending an extra $5 billion on its self-driving company Waymo.
Why is Volkswagen collaborating with Google?
Volkswagen Group of America chief information officer, Abdallah Shanti, stated: “AI is emerging as a utility tool for Volkswagen owners to better understand their vehicles and get answers to questions faster and easier. Thanks to our strong collaboration with Google Cloud, we’re able to bring valuable technology into our vehicles that help us successfully connect to the car and our customers.”
Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud’s CEO, added: “Volkswagen is setting a new standard for driver experiences by bringing the power of advanced generative AI directly to its customers.
“With the myVW Virtual Assistant built on our AI platform – and using the multi-modal capabilities of our Gemini models – all model year 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport owners now have highly personalized vehicle support at their fingertips.”
Starting in 2025, most owners of MY20 and newer Volkswagen vehicles will have access to the new Volkswagen Virtual Assistant through the myVW app, available for download on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Featured image: Google / Volkswagen
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