Automakers implementing in-vehicle AI assistants

Major US automakers are introducing proprietary artificial intelligence assistants to enhance vehicle connectivity and user experience.

General Motors announced plans to launch an in-vehicle AI system by the end of 2026. This system aims to integrate conversational AI with OnStar data and vehicle telemetry to manage functions such as predictive maintenance, climate control, and infotainment. GM intends for the technology to leverage proprietary data to exceed existing capabilities offered by competitors like Google’s Gemini.

Concurrently, Ford has begun rolling out an AI assistant for Ford and Lincoln owners, initially via mobile app updates. This tool utilizes real-time vehicle data to assist with troubleshooting, allowing users to inquire about fuel levels or upload photos of dashboard warning lights to receive guidance. Ford also included a feature for estimating load volume and weight in truck beds. While currently app-based, Ford intends to integrate this AI directly into vehicle dashboards by 2027.

Recent developments show Ford expanding its AI rollout to approximately eight million Ford and Lincoln owners through existing mobile applications. This chatbot uses natural language processing and image recognition to provide real-time data on maintenance and towing capacities, enabling users to receive information without consulting a manual.

In the realm of safety technology, BYD has introduced an AI-driven system designed to detect animals beneath a vehicle before it starts. By comparing images from the undercarriage to identify shadows or movements, the system alerts drivers to prevent accidents, addressing a limitation in many current emergency braking systems that often prioritize pedestrians and vehicles over animals.