Mercedes-Benz, the renowned German luxury car manufacturer, is leaping into the future by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its vehicles.
On June 15, 2023, the company announced that it is launching a beta program in the U.S. to test a ChatGPT-powered voice assistant in over 900,000 vehicles equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system.
The integration of ChatGPT, a sophisticated neural network developed by OpenAI, will enhance the existing MBUX Voice Assistant, known for its intuitive operation and extensive command portfolio. While most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, ChatGPT leverages a large language model to improve significantly natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond. This means that users can engage in more natural dialogues with the Voice Assistant, asking complex questions and receiving comprehensive answers while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
According to the German firm, “customers can participate via the Mercedes me app or directly from the vehicle using the voice command ‘Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta programme’.”
Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Microsoft to integrate ChatGPT through Azure OpenAI Service, which combines OpenAI’s large-scale generative AI models with Azure’s enterprise-grade security, privacy, and reliability capabilities. The voice command data collected by the assistant will be stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and anonymized and analyzed.
The company says it ensures that customers are always aware of what information is being collected and for what purpose and are free to make their own decisions and that it protects itall customer data from manipulation and misuse.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, stated:
“The integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the centre of our customers’ digital lives. Our beta programme boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT. This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. Our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes.“
The U.S.-focused beta program is expected to last three months. The insights gained from this program will further improve the intuitive voice assistant and define the rollout strategy for large language models in more markets and languages.
Featured Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz
