The shift towards large touchscreens in cars has led many to long for the days when physical buttons were the primary mode of interaction. However, Rivian’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has a different perspective, referring to using buttons in a car as an “anomaly.”
During the TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 event, Bensaid expressed his belief that interacting with a car through voice should be the ideal method. He pointed out that the current issue lies in the fact that most voice assistants are not functioning effectively. To address this, he mentioned that he drives an engineering vehicle equipped with an AI-powered voice assistant on a weekly basis, although he did not disclose the specific assistant being used. Bensaid hinted at undisclosed partnerships that Rivian has established, showcasing his commitment to advancing voice-controlled interactions in vehicles.
Highlighting the potential of AI in the automotive environment, Bensaid acknowledged the challenges of latency and hallucinations that need to be addressed. He emphasized his vision of voice controls becoming the primary mode of interaction with vehicles, even with the complexity of features offered in modern cars. Bensaid stressed the importance of prioritizing voice commands over menu navigation to enhance the user experience.
Moreover, Bensaid expressed confidence in AI-powered voice assistants’ ability to handle intricate requests from drivers, such as recommending nearby restaurants when they express hunger. While this concept is not entirely new in the automotive industry, Rivian aims to revolutionize the in-car experience by enabling voice control for every touchscreen function.
In terms of integrating third-party platforms like CarPlay, Bensaid revealed that Rivian is focused on delivering a tailored experience to its customers, suggesting that CarPlay integration may not be imminent. He criticized the use of CarPlay as a form of “laziness,” advocating for the integration of specific apps like Apple Music to provide a more seamless and refined user experience.
Overall, Bensaid’s vision for Rivian revolves around leveraging AI-powered voice controls to enhance the in-car experience, prioritizing voice interaction over traditional touchscreens and physical buttons. With a focus on customization and innovation, Rivian aims to set new standards in automotive technology and user interface design.
