Mercedes-Benz announced it is expanding the use of artificial intelligence and integrating it into the voice control of its vehicles by adding ChatGPT, according to the company's news release.

ChatGPT voice control via the "Hey Mercedes" MBUX Voice Assistant will become more intuitive.

An optional beta program for U.S. customers began on June 16 for over 900,000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.

The rollout of the beta program will happen over the air. The automaker is integrating ChatGPT through Azure OpenAI Service.

Mercedes-Benz MBUX Voice Assistant

Through Mercedes-Benz MBUX Voice Assistant, customers can receive sports and weather updates, have questions answered about their surroundings, or even control smart functions.

ChatGPT complements the existing intuitive voice control via "Hey Mercedes." ChatGPT leverages a large language model to greatly improve natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond.

Users will experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but can also conduct conversations.

Soon, participants who ask the Voice Assistant for details about their destination, to suggest a new dinner recipe, or to answer a complex question, will receive a more comprehensive answer – while driving.

Mercedes-Benz Promises Data Privacy

A collaboration with Microsoft enables the integration of ChatGPT.

Through Azure OpenAI Service, Mercedes-Benz is tapping OpenAI's large-scale generative AI models combined with the enterprise-grade security, privacy, and reliability capabilities of Azure.

Mercedes-Benz retains complete control over the IT processes in the background. The voice command data collected is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed.

Data protection is a top priority for Mercedes-Benz. Customers know at all times what information is collected and for what purpose, and they are free to make their own decisions. Mercedes-Benz protects all customer data from manipulation and misuse.

"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," said Markus Schäfer, chief technology officer, Development & Procurement. "Our beta program boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests, and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT. This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. 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."

The U.S.-focused beta program is expected to last three months. In return, Mercedes-Benz developers will gain helpful insights into specific requests, enabling them to set precise priorities in the further development of voice control.

Findings from the beta program will be used to further improve the intuitive voice assistant and to define the rollout strategy for large language models in more markets and languages.