Mercedes-Benz announced at CES 2024 that it is integrating generative AI into its MBUX Virtual Assistant. The company is promising a transformative experience for Mercedes-Benz drivers, offering a more natural and intuitive way to interact with their vehicles.
At the core of this new experience is the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which now operates on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) developed in-house. This system is a significant evolution from the previous 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant, blending advanced software and generative AI to provide a more human-like interaction. The assistant is set to debut in vehicles on the forthcoming MMA platform, including the Concept CLA Class, showcasing the potential of MB.OS.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the transformative nature of their technology: "The Mercedes-Benz user experience of tomorrow will be hyper-personalized. With generative AI, our MBUX Virtual Assistant brings more trust and empathy to the relationship between car and driver."
The upgraded MBUX system is not just about voice commands. It's about creating a conversational experience that is predictive, personal, and empathetic. The system can offer proactive suggestions based on learned behavior and situational context, making the interaction feel more like a dialogue with a trusted friend rather than a command to a machine.
Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes-Benz AG, highlights the system's adaptability: "Thanks to our MB.OS chip-to-cloud architecture, our future vehicles will provide customers with exactly what they need when they need it."
The MBUX system, with its intelligent voice assistant and 3D graphics for navigation, is designed to enhance situational awareness and assist the driver in focusing on the road.
With the first MB.OS-equipped cars slated for 2025, the future of Mercedes-Benz promises a blend of luxury, technology, and a personalized driving experience like never before.