Volkswagen and Google have teamed up to create a new smartphone app featuring an AI assistant designed specifically for VW drivers. The app allows drivers to access information and receive assistance related to their vehicles while on the road.
With simple voice commands, users can ask the AI assistant questions like “How do I change a flat tire?” and receive YouTube tutorials directly on their phones.
In addition to this, drivers can use their phone’s camera to point at the vehicle’s dashboard and receive detailed information about their car’s systems.
This is made possible through the integration of Google’s Gemini large language models, which can understand and generate responses to human language, paired with Google’s powerful cloud computing capabilities.
The AI assistant draws from Volkswagen’s extensive database, including owners’ manuals and vehicle maintenance videos, which have been uploaded to Gemini.
This collaboration moves beyond a simple text-based search system, as explained by Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, who highlighted the technical complexity behind the development.
The app will be available at no cost to Volkswagen customers. Initially, it has been launched for 120,000 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models, with plans to expand to other cars from the 2020 model year and later by early 2025.
