by Artificial Intelligence in Cars
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid, and now it is actively penetrating cars, regardless of whether we want it or not. What was once the domain of infotainment and simple voice commands is transforming into something more conversational, integrated, and probably more intrusive.
A month ago, Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that AI assistants are “very important,” and every customer should have one in their car. He also suggested that their version would go beyond the typical voice assistant and become something you can talk to like a companion.
Conversational Cars
Ford is not alone in this direction, as a number of companies are already implementing AI assistants. Perhaps the most famous example is Amazon’s Alexa+, which is positioned as their “smartest, most progressive AI assistant”.
While Alexa+ is undoubtedly more conversational than its robotic predecessor, it does not always demonstrate a high level of intelligence. A few weeks ago, I asked about the weather and was accidentally told that snow was not expected… in the middle of summer.
Do We Need a Digital Friend?
On the part of the automotive industry, companies are showing creativity in presenting these assistants by implementing avatars such as Mini’s Spike. This is an animated dog that acts as an intelligent personal assistant and is described as a “virtual travel partner”.
Mercedes has also gone this route with its new MBUX Virtual Assistant, which is a “living avatar” in the shape of a star. The CLA also integrates ChatGPT and Google Gemini, as it seems that one artificial intelligence is not enough.
While these are just a few examples, do you want an AI companion in your car? Personally, I don’t see the need for it, as I have never felt the need to use voice assistants in my cars.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AI Assistants
However, I have used various systems in test cars, and they certainly offer some useful advantages. One of the most common examples is entering a destination or searching for nearby stops, such as a gas station or restaurant.
They are also convenient when you just want to say “play country music,” instead of switching channels yourself. They can also be used to adjust car settings without taking your hands off the wheel, although many systems still get confused by small details.
So, as automakers increasingly implement AI interaction, the question remains: do you really want an avatar or a talkative algorithm sitting in the passenger seat of your next car?
The implementation of artificial intelligence in cars opens up new possibilities for personalization and convenience, but also raises questions about privacy and excessive dependence on technology. Some drivers may feel that the constant presence of an AI assistant violates their personal space, while others see it as a logical step in the development of future cars. It is important for manufacturers to find a balance between innovation and consumer needs, ensuring that technology serves people, not the other way around.
