Waymo is testing an in-car AI assistant called Gemini in its robotaxis, according to researcher Jane Manchun Wong. The assistant is designed to answer questions, manage in-cabin functions, and provide reassurance to riders. It's more than just a chatbot, with a clear identity and purpose: a friendly, helpful AI companion that enhances the rider's experience. The assistant is programmed to use simple language, keep responses concise, and maintain a distinction between its identity and the autonomous driving technology.
The system prompts reveal that Gemini can access and control in-car features like temperature, lighting, and music. However, it's not designed to handle route changes, seat adjustments, or window control. If a rider asks for a feature Gemini can't control, it will respond with aspirational phrases. The assistant is also instructed to avoid speculating on real-time driving actions and to deflect questions about specific driving events.
Waymo isn't the only company integrating AI assistants into driverless vehicles. Tesla is doing something similar with xAI's Grok. While Gemini is pragmatic and ride-focused, Grok is pitched as an in-car buddy that can handle long conversations and remember context. This highlights the different approaches to in-car AI assistants and the ongoing evolution of autonomous vehicle technology.
