In-car voice assistants: The need and potential for AI-enabled voice assistants in vehicles

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of AI-enabled voice assistants within the automotive industry, with a focus on user needs and regional differences between the United States and Sweden. Utilizing a mixed-method approach inspired by the TripTech method, this study collected both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys and expert interviews. The results revealed that more than half of the participants viewed in-car voice assistants (VAs) positively, valuing their safety and convenience for handling tasks and accessing information while driving. However, qualitative insights highlighted flaws in language comprehension and accuracy in current automated dialogue system, such as misdialed contacts due to misunderstood commands. While users from the United States generally perceived less importance in problem scenarios and were less likely to use VAs compared to Swedish users, the potential for generative AI to enhance VAs was recognized. This could lead to improved comprehension and more dynamic user interactions, although concerns about privacy and response accuracy persist. The findings suggest that while generative AI offers promising enhancements for in-car VAs, significant challenges in privacy and accuracy need to be addressed to fully leverage this technology in vehicles.