Rebecca Cook/Reuters
- GM is reportedly working on a virtual assistant based on the AI behind ChatGPT, Semafor reported.
- The company plans to use its connections to Microsoft, which has helped improve self-driving technology.
- Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and already incorporated it into Bing.
General Motors is reportedly expanding its existing partnership with Microsoft to create a ChatGPT-like virtual assistant for drivers.
The Michigan-based manufacturer of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac wants to utilize Microsoft's investments in OpenAI, the creator of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, to help develop the assistant, according to Semafor.
The AI chatbot that has been used for essays, writing emails, and more since its November release and was incorporated into a new version of Microsoft Bing last month — helping the search engine regain ground on Google and reaching 100 million daily active users this week alone.
Microsoft, which has invested billions in OpenAI, also partnered with GM in 2021, as the automaker sought assistance with improving its self-driving technology. Now, GM hopes to use that partnership to incorporate the technology that makes ChatGPT possible into an in-car assistant that can respond to verbal commands, Semafor reported.
The examples reported by Semafor include an assistant that's able to pull up a "how to change a flat tire" video or capable of diagnosing the seriousness of a check engine light by indicating whether it needs to be addressed immediately or if it can wait.
Scott Miller, GM's vice president of software defined vehicle and operating system, told Reuters that a ChatGPT-based assistant could be capable of reciting information typically found in an owners' manual, or be programmed to use functions like a garage door code.
Miller confirmed to Semafor that GM is working on an AI assistant, and said it could be capable of more than simple voice commands that have been used in GM cars in the past.
General Motors did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.