Artificial Intelligence | June 21, 2023
Mercedes-Benz has hopped on the generative AI train with an unexpected move: directly integrating OpenAI’s conversational model, ChatGPT, into their MBUX infotainment system.
While the exact purpose of this tool is not defined, the luxury car manufacturer has announced that Mercedes owners in the United States will be able to opt into a beta program starting June 16th, which will enhance the conversational abilities of their vehicles using ChatGPT.
The AI, trained to predict text, is known for its ability to hold conversations with humans on various topics and even create its own texts, such as poems or stories. It remains to be seen whether this is a feature that drivers would want to use while traveling in their cars, but it will certainly help users obtain all kinds of information using just their voice, without taking their hands off the steering wheel or eyes off the road.
In fact, Mercedes describes the new capabilities of MBUX as follows:
Users will experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but can also engage in conversations. Soon, participants asking the voice assistant for details about their destination, suggesting a new dinner recipe, or answering a complex question will receive more comprehensive responses while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Regarding user privacy, voice command data is stored in the Mercedes-Benz cloud, where, according to the brand, it is anonymized and analyzed. This way, Mercedes developers will gain useful insights from specific requests, allowing them to improve accuracy and prioritize future voice command developments.
Whether they are useful experiences or not, Mercedes seems to be willing to explore new driving experiences. Users can opt for the beta through the Mercedes Me app or with the voice command “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.”
