- Mercedes fuses AI into its cars to allow the MBUX Voice Assistant system to converse in a human-like manner with users.
One of the problems grappling drivers during long trips is boredom. It could lead to them dosing off, which will most likely lead to accidents. Although there are plenty of entertainment features within the infotainment system of Mercedes-Benz to keep people awake at long drives, nothing beats the good old benefit of having someone they can converse with.
For those driving alone most of the time or having unreliable passengers to engage them, the three-pointed star marque has unveiled artificial intelligence (AI)-powered human-like conversations and interactions with their cars.
AI Meets MBUX
Mercedes continues to harness the potential of AI into its vehicles to boost their functionality and provide utmost comfort to drivers and passengers. Recently, the company announced the integration of the technology into the MBUX Voice Assistant.
The fusion allows the application to converse with users using natural language responses. It leverages ChatGPT via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.
With it, one can engage the AI-powered tool to ask for information and get up-to-date answers along the way. It utilizes the Microsoft Bing search as a reference to its outputs.
A More Conversational MBUX
The upgrade lets the MBUX system process all kinds of general knowledge questions, including but not limited to science, news, history, sports, and navigation. The AI is “context-aware,” so it can produce more responses to follow-up questions even when the user is using vague words or phrases.
Overall, it unlocks a new feature from the MBUX in addition to allowing drivers to issue commands to their cars to activate some of its infotainment, navigation, and comfort features without taking their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel.
“By adding an AI-driven knowledge feature to our MBUX Voice Assistant, we are making it even easier for customers to connect with their vehicle in an entertaining and rewarding way,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes‑Benz Group Chief Technology Officer. “Our unique AI software seamlessly interacts with ChatGPT and Bing through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to deliver information like never before.”
“This is another proof point on our journey towards the hyper-personalised in-car user experience,” the Mercedes official added.
Mercedes Austerity Measures Using AI and Robotics
Reports from German publications suggest that Mercedes is looking to expand the integration of AI and robotics in its operations, particularly in manufacturing. The move aligns with the company’s revamped austerity measures to save “several billion euros” annually. Senior officials laid out the plan right after the third quarter of 2024.
The company blamed its narrowing profit margin on the uncertainty within the automotive landscape. These include the growing number of competitors within the industry and regulatory issues.
Besides its austerity strategy, Mercedes revealed that it is investing toward boosting its “sustainable efficiency” to pave the way for more growth within the company. Amid the challenging times, the automaker assured that it “continues to generate solid cash flows” in its books.
