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Mercedes-Benz AG and Microsoft Corp. have come together to integrate ChatGPT into the vehicles. The companies shared on Thursday, June 15, that they are testing an in-car generative chat function powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Mercedes-Benz said that the beta test program is optional for owners in the United States, and it will be activated today, Friday. It was added that the automaker would also consider some supplemental integration of the technology.
CNBC reported that the spokesperson of Microsoft said this is the very first time that a ChatGPT is integrated into a vehicle. To start using the new function, owners of particular vehicle models may register through the company’s Mercedes Me app. It can also be activated directly through voice commands in the vehicle, and the magic words are: “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.”
The German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand will offer the ChatGPT service to its MBUX vehicles via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Owners of these MBUX model series - A 238, C 118, C 167, C 238, C 253, C 254, C 257, H 247, N 293, R 232, S 213, V 167, V 177, V 295, V 297, W 206, W 213, WV 223, X 167, X 243, X 247, X 253, X 254, X 294, X 296, Z 223 and Z 296 will have the new feature in their units.
“The integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the center of our customers’ digital lives,” Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s chief technology officer, development & procurement and member of the board, Markus Schäfer, said in a press release. “Our beta program boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT.”
He added, “This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions and our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes.”
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz Press Information
