Volkswagen AI Lab: Driving Innovation in Passenger Vehicles

Volkswagen, the renowned German car maker, has recently launched a dedicated business unit called AI Lab, with a primary focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their passenger vehicles. The company aims to identify new product ideas and collaborate with leading technology companies to bring innovative AI-driven features to life.

Volkswagen has already initiated exploratory discussions with undisclosed international tech firms regarding their first AI products and features. The establishment of AI Lab is expected to streamline collaboration efforts with the technology sector in Europe, China, and North America, facilitating the harnessing of AI's vast potential.

Oliver Blume, Volkswagen's Chief Executive, emphasized the significance of offering customers genuine added value through AI. He stated, "Collaboration with technology companies is crucially important for us. In the future, we intend to simplify cooperation in organizational and cultural terms."

The main objective of the new unit is to develop digital prototypes and seamlessly transfer them to Volkswagen's existing brands for implementation. Volkswagen recognizes tremendous potential in AI applications such as speech recognition, AI-optimized charging cycles for electric vehicles, predictive maintenance, and intelligent connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure.

This initiative comes as more car manufacturers are actively seeking ways to integrate AI throughout their entire production process and enhance the end-user experience. For instance, Mercedes-Benz Group employed OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot to assist employees with production data analysis and quality management. BMW also utilizes AI to optimize its production processes.

On a similar note, Stellantis's Peugeot brand has announced plans to incorporate ChatGPT as a voice assistant in their latest line-up of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Volkswagen itself is working towards integrating ChatGPT into their voice assistant, with plans to introduce this feature in the second quarter of this year.

Michael Steiner, Volkswagen's Head of Research and Development, stated, "We will pursue highly promising initiatives in the marketplace, together with partners where this is necessary, irrespective of existing arrangements and other links in series production."

Volkswagen's AI Lab is set to revolutionize the automotive industry by driving innovation through the power of artificial intelligence. With their strong focus on collaboration with tech companies and their commitment to providing added value to customers, Volkswagen is poised to lead the way in AI integration in passenger vehicles.

Mauro Orru contributed to this report.