Volkswagen, the German automaker, has officially inaugurated its dedicated artificial intelligence lab, signaling a strategic move within the automotive industry to embrace the burgeoning field of AI. The company disclosed in a press release that the newly established AI lab will function as a “globally connected hub and innovation center,” tasked with generating proof of concepts related to AI applications in automotive technology.
In the realm of AI, labs serve as vital research and development centers where breakthroughs are explored. Examples include OpenAI, financially supported by Microsoft, and Google’s DeepMind, acquired by Alphabet in 2014. Volkswagen expressed its commitment to incorporating AI innovations from its lab into its vehicles to enhance their intelligence.
CEO of the Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG, Oliver Blume, emphasized the goal of providing customers with genuine value through AI, aiming to integrate external digital ecosystems with vehicles for an improved product experience. Collaboration with technology companies is highlighted as crucial, with a focus on simplifying future cooperation in organizational and cultural aspects.
While Volkswagen doesn’t plan to manufacture its own production models, it intends to engage in discussions with potential partners for licensing its proprietary AI technology for use in their vehicles. The automaker outlined some AI solutions pursued by the lab, including optimizing electric vehicle charging, predictive maintenance, connecting vehicles with customers’ homes through internet-connected devices, and exploring AI applications for in-car voice recognition.
This move aligns with the broader trend of automotive companies heavily investing in AI to bolster their technological standing and enhance the intelligence of their vehicles. Notably, DS automobiles, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, and Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD have all made strides in integrating AI into their automotive offerings.
Volkswagen’s AI lab launch reflects a strategic shift akin to technology companies setting up or investing in their own AI research units. This move positions Volkswagen to potentially reduce dependence on external AI software from major tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Amazon. The company has already shown interest in AI integration, recently announcing plans to incorporate ChatGPT into its vehicles at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where it collaborated with OpenAI as a technological partner. The establishment of an AI lab empowers Volkswagen to shape its AI adoption strategy independently, even though it faces a considerable challenge in competing with advanced research labs like OpenAI
