Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker, is reportedly teaming up with Microsoft to conduct tests of ChatGPT in their cars. Starting on June 16, this program will allow Mercedes drivers in the US to utilize OpenAI’s chatbot to enhance their driving experience. By integrating ChatGPT into their car systems, Mercedes aims to provide more natural-sounding responses to user queries. This collaboration marks the first deployment of OpenAI’s popular chatbot in the automotive industry.
The test program will be available for approximately 900,000 vehicles equipped with Mercedes’ “MBUX” systems. Over a three-month period, the program will assess how drivers engage with the technology. To participate, drivers can download ChatGPT via an over-the-air update, either through a dedicated Mercedes app or by using voice commands.
ChatGPT in Mercedes cars will enable drivers to request information about destinations, address various queries, and even seek cooking suggestions. Mercedes already allows voice commands for tasks such as activating seat heaters. With the integration of ChatGPT, drivers can initiate conversations with the system by saying “Hey Mercedes,” further enhancing the interactive experience for both drivers and passengers.
This partnership also benefits Microsoft’s AI business, as they are offering Mercedes a customized version of the chatbot through their cloud platform. In a similar vein, Amazon has been working to integrate its voice assistant, Alexa, into cars. Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI and ChatGPT provides them with a competitive edge in this space.
Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to develop plug-ins that will enable drivers to perform tasks such as booking movie tickets or making restaurant reservations directly from their cars. The insights gained from the test program will help Mercedes determine the potential expansion of AI systems like ChatGPT in their vehicles across different countries and languages. Additionally, Mercedes ensures that voice data will be stored anonymously and analyzed within their secure cloud infrastructure.
