Google and Volkswagen have teamed up to revolutionize driving with a cutting-edge AI assistant integrated into a smartphone app. Designed specifically for Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport drivers, this innovative tool allows users to seamlessly interact with their vehicles like never before.
Imagine you're on the road and suddenly need to change a flat tire. Instead of fumbling through manuals or searching online, you can simply ask the AI assistant, \"How do I change a flat tire?\" The assistant leverages Google's Gemini large language models to provide clear, step-by-step instructions. Additionally, drivers can use their phone cameras to gain real-time insights directly from their vehicle's dashboard, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Powered by data from Volkswagen's owner manuals and instructional YouTube videos on vehicle maintenance, the AI assistant is a testament to the power of integrated technology. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the project's complexity, noting the challenge of integrating diverse data types—including text, images, and videos—into a cohesive assistant experience.
Initially, the AI assistant will be available to approximately 120,000 owners of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. Google plans to expand the service to additional Volkswagen vehicles from the 2020 model year and later by early next year, broadening its reach and impact.
This collaboration marks a significant move in the cloud computing landscape, where Google currently holds the third position behind Amazon and Microsoft. In 2023, cloud computing contributed a substantial $33 billion to Google's total revenue of $307 billion. While AI solutions have notably boosted this revenue, specific figures remain undisclosed. Likewise, Volkswagen has not shared detailed usage statistics for the new AI assistant.
As Google and Volkswagen continue to push the boundaries of automotive and AI integration, drivers can look forward to a more intuitive and connected driving experience.
Reference(s):
Google partners, Volkswagen launch smartphone AI assistant for drivers
cgtn.com
