Mercedes-Benz proves to be highly adaptive to the latest trends and technology with its integration of ChatGPT into its infotainment system.
The MBUX vehicles are getting a significant upgrade with the help of the AI-powered chatbot from OpenAI, which will be available via a beta program starting June 16.
AI assistants and chatbots are some of the most advanced technologies now, with OpenAI's ChatGPT regarded as among the top online services.
Mercedes-Benz Brings ChatGPT to its MBUX System In-Car
Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it was integrating artificial intelligence into the voice control of its famous MBUX vehicles. The German automotive company said that by adding ChatGPT, "voice control via the MBUX Voice Assistant's Hey Mercedes will become even more intuitive."
The beta program will only be available for US customers, and Mercedes-Benz is inviting car owners to try the new feature on eligible cars. Benz owners can use the Mercedes me app or the voice command in the vehicle and say: "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program."
AI Chatbot to Bring Tech and Luxury to Mercedes-Benz
According to the company, MBUX's ChatGPT integration was made possible by Azure OpenAI Service, which leverages the enterprise-grade capabilities of Microsoft's cloud and AI platform.
With this integration, Benz owners can receive sports news and weather updates, get details about their destination and surroundings, or even control their smart homes. More than 900,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles are reportedly equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.
ChatGPT and Its Application in Different Industries
While ChatGPT established itself as one of the most reliable platforms in the world, many are still skeptical about what the chatbot brings to the table, especially with some users experiencing fake and made-up content by the AI tool. However, many developers have already used it on their applications, expanding the experience.
That was made possible through OpenAI's open access to ChatGPT's API, allowing developers to use the technology and integrate it within their apps to upgrade the experience.
This API access allowed services to access the powerful chatbot and bring its capabilities to their app. In the case of Mercedes-Benz, it is adding ChatGPT to its existing in-car system known as the MBUX to keep the drivers' hands on the wheel most of the time and eyes on the road.
In a press release, the company said the ChatGPT complements the existing intuitive voice control via Hey Mercedes. While most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, Benz noted that ChatGPT leverages a large language model to significantly improve natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond.
The company also assured the car owners of data privacy, as it retains complete control over the IT processes in the background. The firm said that the collected voice command data is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed.
"Data protection is a top priority for Mercedes-Benz. Customers know at all times what information is collected and for what purpose, and they are free to make their own decisions. Mercedes-Benz protects all customer data from manipulation and misuse," the company noted.
