German automaker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an updated version of its in-car virtual assistant at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new MBUX Virtual Assistant is powered by generative AI and runs on the next-generation Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), developed in-house by the automaker. This update features an NFT gallery and an AI voice assistant with “emotional profiles,” making it the “most human-like interface with a Mercedes-Benz yet.”
Markus Schäfer, chief technology officer at Mercedes-Benz, described the virtual assistant as having four different “emotional profiles” - natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic. This allows the virtual assistant to interact with the driver in a more human-like manner. Schäfer highlighted that through advances in artificial intelligence, the virtual assistant will enhance and complement the lives of Mercedes-Benz customers, not just in their cars, but also in other areas.
The MBUX Assistant will learn the driver’s preferences over time, such as automatically turning on their preferred radio station during their morning commute or activating seat massagers and dimmed lights during night driving. Mercedes-Benz had previously announced its integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot into the MBUX voice assistant. However, Schäfer stated that the final product might not necessarily be limited to ChatGPT and that the automaker could explore other chatbot options if they are more beneficial for the customer, including different language models for better regional localization.
Importantly, drivers will have the option to opt out of the program, and the virtual assistant will only learn from individual cars. Customer data will not be shared across drivers, ensuring privacy and security.
Alongside the virtual assistant, Mercedes-Benz is revamping its navigation and in-car entertainment systems. One notable addition is the MBUX Sound Drive, a music experience developed by recording artist Will.i.am that reacts to the way the car is being driven. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the MBUX Collectibles in-car app, which allows drivers to showcase their non-fungible token (NFT) collections on the vehicle’s dashboard. This includes displaying Mercedes-Benz’s own NXT NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain.
Mercedes-Benz has been exploring blockchain technology for various applications. In 2020, the company piloted a project in collaboration with traceability start-up Circulor to track the amount of CO2 emissions in its cobalt supply chain using blockchain. This initiative highlights the automaker’s commitment to sustainability and transparency.
The updated MBUX Virtual Assistant, along with the new in-car NFT gallery and entertainment features, will be available to customers in early 2025, offering a more personalized and immersive driving experience. With its advancements in AI and emotional profiles, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries of in-car technology, delivering a unique and engaging interface that sets it apart from competitors.
Use the share button below if you liked it.