Chinese auto manufacturer Nio has introduced automotive-grade GPT technology to its in-car assistant NOMI across its range of smart EVs in Europe.
The rollout of NOMI GPT began on April 5 via over-the-air updates through the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, starting with Nio’s entire European range of smart EVs on the NT2.0 platform. This update makes NOMI among the first in-vehicle artificial intelligence systems to incorporate GPT technology as a standard feature. It is initially available in English, German and Norwegian.
The GPT technology feature aims to complement the abilities of Nio’s in-car assistant, by addressing more complex queries and providing more intuitive and human-like voice control capabilities while also delivering vehicle-specific information.
With NOMI GPT, users can expect personalized greetings, weather information and a range of new interactions to enhance their driving experience. The in-car assistant will also provide operational support by offering instructions on vehicle features and functions when prompted, using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology.
Additionally, a new FAQ function will enable users to learn more about NOMI’s abilities and preferences. Users can ask questions such as ‘How do I adjust the wing mirrors?’ or ‘How do I check the tyre pressure?’, with the instructions presented via the in-car display.
“NOMI firmly established itself as an intuitive and fun way to interact with our smart EVs from launch,” said Benjamin Steinmetz, product experience director for Europe at Nio.
“Enhanced with the GPT functionality, via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, NOMI is now able to generate more relevant responses and address more complex queries — making journeys more valuable and joyful for users. This integration is just a start, which will help NOMI scale faster, offering new exciting features with each release.”
Recently, Nio has also officially opened its Smart Driving Technology Center in Schönefeld, near Berlin, Germany. It is Nio’s first such center outside of China and is further proof of the company’s international ambitions.