You could soon ask your vehicle what a certain warning light means and even schedule a mechanic appointment. This could become a reality after General Motors announced it is working on an in-car digital assistant based on the same machine learning models that power the trending ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence.
GM’s Scott Miller told Reuters that “ChatGPT is going to be in everything.” The chatbot, according to the Vice President of Software Defined Vehicles and Operating Systems, could be used in a variety of ways. Owners could ask the software how to use specific in-vehicle features that are normally buried in a thick owner’s manual.
Drivers could also use the technology to program functions such as a garage door opener or treat it as a personal assistant.
“This shift is not just about one single capability like the evolution of voice commands, but instead means that customers can expect their future vehicles to be far more capable and fresh overall when it comes to emerging technologies,” said a GM spokesperson
According to Semafor, the voice-activated AI will use Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. This computing platform owns the technology that powers ChatGPT and a number of other cutting-edge online services. GM and Microsoft have been partnering in other ventures before including the automaker’s self-driving system, Cruise.
ChatGPT is far more powerful than traditional voice assistants; for example, the Artificial Intelligence can assist with changing a tire or locating a nearby EV charging stations. In terms of safety, unlike Car Play and Android Auto, which mirror the driver’s smartphone, the technology may eliminate the need for mobile phones while driving.