Mercedes-Benz Enhances Voice Control with ChatGPT Integration, in Collaboration with Microsoft

Mercedes-Benz is making a big move in artificial intelligence by adding it to the voice control feature of its cars. In a recent announcement, the famous car company shared that they added ChatGPT, an advanced conversational AI software, to make the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant even better. By introducing ChatGPT, Mercedes aims to provide an even more intuitive and interactive voice control experience for its customers.

Starting June 16, 2023, an optional beta program will be launched in the United States for over 900,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system. The beta program will allow users to explore the enhanced voice control capabilities enabled by ChatGPT.

This development marks an interesting partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft, as reported by CNN. The automaker also confirmed this partnership, stating, “Mercedes-Benz brings ChatGPT to MBUX vehicles for U.S. customers via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.”

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a “generative artificial intelligence” software that excels in engaging in human-like conversations. It has the ability to simulate dynamic exchanges, generating new information and providing comprehensive responses. Although it can do many things like summarising content, helping with coding, and generating content ideas, it’s important to remember that using these features while driving may not be a good idea.

Mercedes asserts that users will now experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but also engages in conversations. Through the integration of ChatGPT, participants will receive answers to complex questions, suggestions for dinner recipes, and detailed information about their destinations. The intention is to provide a hands-free experience but keeps drivers focused on the road.

The collaboration with Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service allows Mercedes to leverage ChatGPT’s conversational abilities within its in-car voice assistant. By incorporating ChatGPT, voice commands become more fluid, natural, and capable of performing additional functions.

This integration goes beyond simple command-response interactions, enabling the system to engage in more organic and context-aware conversations. It can retain information from previous exchanges, ensuring continuity and facilitating interactive dialogues with the driver and passengers. Thanks to ChatGPT, the voice assistant can now cater to a wider range of requests, even those unrelated to the vehicle or the immediate driving experience.

While extended conversations while driving could potentially be distracting, the exclusive use of voice interactions mitigates safety concerns. In fact, it offers a practical solution by providing answers to inquiries that might otherwise tempt drivers to reach for their phones while on the road.

Both Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft emphasise the importance of data security, privacy, and reliability. The integration with Microsoft’s Azure ensures enterprise-grade protection for user data. Conversations held via the MBUX Voice Assistant will be stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where they undergo anonymisation and analysis.

It is crucial for users to be mindful of the potential for their recordings to be used for training and data analysis purposes. Therefore, sharing private or personally identifiable information during interactions should be avoided.