Mercedes-Benz takes in-car voice control to a new level with ChatGPT

Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing in-car voice control with the introduction of ChatGPT, taking their MBUX vehicles to a whole new level of intuitive interaction. By integrating ChatGPT, the voice control experience through the MBUX Voice Assistant's Hey Mercedes feature will be enhanced, providing users with an even more seamless and natural conversational experience.

Starting June 16, 2023, Mercedes-Benz is offering an optional beta program for over 900,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system in the United States. Customers can join the program through the Mercedes me app or by using the voice command "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program." The integration of ChatGPT is made possible through Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service, leveraging the power of Microsoft's cloud and AI platform.

The existing voice control capabilities of Hey Mercedes have already set industry standards, allowing drivers and passengers to perform various tasks such as receiving sports updates, controlling smart homes, and obtaining information about their surroundings. However, with the addition of ChatGPT, the voice assistant's natural language understanding and response capabilities are greatly expanded.

Unlike traditional voice assistants that are limited to predefined tasks, ChatGPT utilizes a large language model to enable more comprehensive and context-aware conversations. This means that users can ask the Voice Assistant complex questions, request detailed information about their destinations, or even seek suggestions for dinner recipes, all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Mercedes-Benz prioritizes data privacy and ensures that customer information is protected. The collaboration with Microsoft and the utilization of Azure OpenAI Service allow Mercedes-Benz to maintain control over the IT processes and safeguard customer data from manipulation and misuse. Voice command data is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed.

By launching the beta program, Mercedes-Benz aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from customers, which will help prioritize future developments and improvements in voice control. The company is committed to responsibly integrating generative AI solutions like ChatGPT while mitigating potential risks.

As Mercedes-Benz continues to redefine the relationship between drivers and their vehicles, the integration of ChatGPT marks a significant milestone in their mission to make cars the center of customers' digital lives. Through this innovative technology, Mercedes-Benz reaffirms its commitment to providing a cutting-edge and personalized driving experience that prioritizes both convenience and data privacy.