Mercedes-Benz has introduced generative artificial intelligence to its on-board system MBUX, allowing customers in the US to add the ChatGPT feature to their vehicles. This update aims to make voice control more intuitive for users, with the system now better able to understand natural language. Users will also have access to a wider range of topics to engage in natural dialogues with the language assistant. To activate ChatGPT, Mercedes customers in the US simply need to tell their vehicle, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program,” which will trigger a software update over mobile communications.
ChatGPT runs in the background through Microsoft’s “Azure OpenAI Service,” with Mercedes ensuring it maintains control over the IT processes and the voice inputs of testers. The data collected is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, anonymized, and then analyzed. The beta program will initially run for three months, allowing developers to gain insights and make improvements to the voice control system. The findings will be used to introduce a Large Language Model in other markets and languages.
Mercedes-Benz states that it is closely monitoring potential risks associated with ChatGPT, although it does not specify these risks. This may refer to concerns raised by data protection supervisors, as seen in Italy where the use of ChatGPT was temporarily blocked. Supervisors in Italy accused OpenAI, the operator of ChatGPT, of not informing users about the data being stored and lacking a legal basis for data collection. Mercedes-Benz assures its US customers that they are always aware of what information is being collected and for what purpose.
Additionally, competitor General Motors is also developing a language assistant based on artificial intelligence.
