Mercedes teaming with Chat GPT to let you converse with your vehicle
Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft are putting the power of artificial intelligence on the road.
Beginning today, more than 900,000 Mercedes vehicles will be able to access the Chat GPT program through voice control in the automaker’s “Hey Mercedes” system.
According to Mercedes, vehicle owners can participate through the Mercedes me app or directly from the vehicle using the voice command, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.”
This is the first time Chat GPT, the AI program that’s being used to create essays and write programs, has been used in a vehicle.
AI programs are already in use, allowing drivers to issue voice commands in vehicles. Mercedes drivers and passengers, for example, can receive sports and weather updates, have questions answered about their surroundings and issue commands for their smart homes.
Chat GPT, however, will allow something further. Eric Boyd, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s AI platform, said in a blog post that the program will allow customers “to experience a voice assistant that not only understands voice commands but also engages in interactive conversations.”
“Whether users need information about their destination, a recipe, or answers to complex questions, the enhanced voice assistant will provide comprehensive responses, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” Boyd wrote.
ChatGPT, according to Mercedes, has a large language model to expand the range of conversation and topics.
The test program is expected to last three months, as Mercedes gathers information and improves the program. Any data generated will be protected, the company said.