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Google and Volkswagen Collaborate on Smartphone AI Assistant
Google partners with Volkswagen to introduce an AI assistant for drivers via a smartphone app. The AI assistant utilises Google's Gemini large language models and cloud computing capabilities. The tool offers features like answering questions and providing information by scanning vehicle dashboards.
This partnership is part of Google's strategic approach to attract business by providing tools to develop enterprise AI applications.
Drivers can interact with Volkswagen's in-app assistant by asking questions like "How do I change a flat tire?" or by using their phone cameras to scan vehicle dashboards for relevant information. The AI assistant leverages Google's Gemini large language models, which are capable of understanding and generating predictive responses to human language, along with Google's cloud computing capabilities.
The VW tool was developed by integrating data such as Volkswagen owner's manuals and YouTube videos on vehicle maintenance into Gemini. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the technical challenges that had to be overcome to enable multimodality, which involves processing various data types like text, images, and videos.
Kurian explained, "The problem looks superficially simple, but it’s technically very complex. Most people think what we built is a speech-to-text translation system that then looks up a manual. Absolutely not." The AI assistant is offered at no cost and is currently accessible to approximately 120,000 owners of Volkswagen's Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. It is expected to expand to other cars from the model year 2020 and beyond by early next year.
The adoption of generative AI by businesses could potentially reshape the competitive landscape of the cloud computing market, where Google currently holds the third position in terms of market share, trailing behind Amazon and Microsoft. Many companies are still exploring practical applications that users will find beneficial.
Google's cloud computing division has been a significant contributor to the company's revenue, accounting for US$33 billion out of the firm's total revenue of US$307 billion in 2023. While Google has reported substantial revenue from AI solutions this year, specific figures have not been disclosed.
Volkswagen has not disclosed detailed information regarding the usage of its AI assistant thus far.
Google partners with Volkswagen to introduce an AI assistant for drivers via a smartphone app.
The AI assistant utilises Google's Gemini large language models and cloud computing capabilities.
The tool offers features like answering questions and providing information by scanning vehicle dashboards.
Source: REUTERS