Our AI Consulting team has developed the EXAM chatbot solution to simplify and improve user interaction with the EXAM (EXtended Automation Method) tool. EXAM is a powerful integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for the testing of ECUs, especially on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches. The aim of this project is to provide an intuitive, dialog-based interface that makes it easier for users to access the core functions of EXAM and supports users in routine tasks.nctions of EXAM and supports users in routine tasks.

Using the EXAM tool often requires specific specialist knowledge and extensive familiarization with the test process and the underlying tool chains. New users are often confronted with steep learning curves, which slows down the familiarization process. In addition, accessing important functionalities previously involved increased manual effort, as users had to navigate the model and search the documentation. The aim was to simplify the workflow and increase user-friendliness by introducing an intelligent and always available wizard.

To overcome these challenges, an AI-based chatbot was developed using an EXAM plugin and Azure OpenAI GPT models to  an intuitive user interface to help users work with EXAM. The steps included:

• Creation of a knowledge graph: Automated integration of EXAM documentation and EXAM models into a vector database to enable efficient and context-related information retrieval on a dynamically changing database.
• Use of advanced AI techniques: Implementation of Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation (GRAG) to extract relevant information from the knowledge graph and provide accurate answers to the user using latest language models.
• Development of a user-friendly chat interface: This is integrated into EXAM via a specially developed EXAM plug-in.
• Automated processing of documents: Automated pre-processing of documentation to the EXAM tool and user-defined EXAM documentation to ensure up-to-date and personalized information retrieval at all times.
• Optimization of user-friendliness: The digital assistant offers easy-to-understand explanations for faster onboarding and assistance in case of problems.

The following results can be achieved with the introduction of the EXAM chatbot:

• Increased efficiency: The time users need to navigate through the EXAM model is drastically reduced.
• Improved user-friendliness: New users can familiarize themselves more quickly, significantly flattening the learning curve.
• Automation of routine tasks: Recurring tasks, such as analyzing errors in the EXAM model, are considerably simplified with the help of the digital assistant.
• Context-based answers: The chatbot provides precise answers tailored to the current status of the EXAM model, which enables work processes to be accelerated.