Future of driving tied to evolving technologies

Cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and augmented reality have become a competitive edge for automakers that spotlighted their visions of future vehicles at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, which concluded on Friday in Las Vegas, the United States.

At the world's premier tech show, German carmaker Volkswagen unveiled the integration of ChatGPT into its voice assistant, IDA. The rollout is scheduled for the second quarter of this year, starting in Europe.

The AI-based chatbot will be featured in Volkswagen's ID.7, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.3 EV lineup, as well as its new Tiguan, Passat and Golf models.

Utilizing Cerence's Chat Pro product and a substantial language model from OpenAI, the chatbot empowers users to manage infotainment, navigation and air conditioning, as well as address general knowledge queries.

Cerence CEO Stefan Ortmanns said the two partners will "explore collaboration to design a new, large language model-based user experience as the basis of Volkswagen's next-generation in-car assistant".

To ensure user privacy, ChatGPT will not access any vehicle data and dialogue content will be promptly deleted, Volkswagen said.

Meanwhile, BMW showcased the XReal Air 2 AR glasses, which aims to enhance the driving experience by streaming navigation instructions, hazard warnings and infotainment data directly into the users' line of sight.

The company said AR and mixed reality devices will become increasingly popular in the next few years, thanks to technological advances and entry-level models that are more affordable for customers.

It also showcased the capabilities of its voice assistant, empowered by Amazon's Alexa large language model.

BMW has been working on the development of AR and MR technology since 2008 and exploring possible applications for head-mounted displays in research projects.

Mercedes-Benz also launched a new virtual assistant at the CES, capable of providing context-based suggestions and engaging in dialogue with users.

The assistant can alter its tone to ask intelligent questions in order to clarify what exactly is being asked, the company said. The assistant will be rolled out in several models, including the new Concept CLA Class.

AI and AR functions are made possible by rapidly advancing chipmakers, who also grabbed the spotlight at the CES.

Chip giant Nvidia showcased its latest tech and announced that four Chinese automakers — Li Auto, Great Wall Motor, Zeekr and new EV unit of Xiaomi — will use its Drive Orin system-on-chip for automated driving systems.

The move underlined Nvidia's intention to expand in China, which as its largest market contributes approximately 20 percent of the company's revenue.

Li Auto, known for its extended-range EVs, will use Nvidia's Drive Thor centralized car computer to power its next-generation fleets.

Currently, Li Auto is using two Nvidia Drive Orin processors to power its AD Max assisted-driving system for its L-series models.

Providing a combined 508 trillion operations per second, the processors enable real-time processing of sensor information, which can power full-scenario advanced driver-assistance functions including lane change control, automated parking and automatic emergency braking as well as other active safety features.

GWM, Zeekr and Xiaomi have adopted the Nvidia Drive Orin to power their intelligent autonomous driving systems.

GWM revealed that its autonomously developed high-end intelligent driving system, Coffee Pilot, based on the Drive Orin, supports intelligent navigation and assisted driving functions across all scenarios without high-precision maps.

The first model with this intelligent driving system is expected to debut in the first half of this year in its Wey marque.

Xiaomi's first EV, the SU7, will be built on a dual Drive Orin configuration, with an assisted driving system incorporating Xiaomi's in-house large-language perception and decision-making model, adaptable to various roads nationwide.