Mercedes-Benz unveils a sophisticated virtual assistant at CES 2024, providing emotional responses and context-based suggestions. The assistant, featured in the electric CLA class, offers a plausibility check for reliable information. Updates to the MBUX system include enhanced voice interactions, in-car gaming, audio content streaming partnerships, NFT display, and a unique “Sound Drive” concept for musical expression while driving.
AT A GLANCE
- Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Virtual Assistant: The company introduced a sophisticated virtual assistant at the CES 2024 electronics trade fair, capable of engaging in context-based conversations with users.
- Emotionally Intelligent Interaction: Mercedes’ virtual assistant can speak in different tones and ask intelligent questions with various emotions, offering a more natural and empathetic interaction.
- Integration in New Concept CLA Class: The assistant will be featured in vehicles like the new concept CLA class, an all-electric model, premiering in North America, showcasing Mercedes’ commitment to integrating AI in electric vehicles.
- Plausibility Check Feature: Mercedes’ voice assistant includes a plausibility check for responses, ensuring trustworthiness by verifying recommendations through cloud data and user feedback.
- Evolution of Voice Assistant Technology: The automotive industry is witnessing advancements in voice assistant technology, with Volkswagen also integrating ChatGPT in its vehicles, allowing drivers to have content read to them.
- Enhancements to MBUX Infotainment System: Mercedes is enhancing its MBUX infotainment system with features such as ambient lighting, haptic feedback, and a more advanced voice assistant that can deliver empathetic responses and even sarcasm.
- Innovative Features for Autonomous Driving: Mercedes introduces in-car gaming, partnerships with Antstream Arcade and Sony Entertainment, as well as audio content streaming through Amazon Music and Audible, providing entertainment options for autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Unveils Advanced Virtual Assistant and Innovative MBUX Features at CES 2024
Las Vegas, Jan 8 – Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive innovation, introduced its latest virtual assistant at the CES 2024 electronics trade fair, demonstrating a significant leap forward in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cars. The unveiling took place on Monday, showcasing a virtual assistant capable of providing context-based suggestions and engaging in meaningful dialogues with users.
Dynamic Interaction with Emotionally Intelligent Assistant
Mercedes’ virtual assistant stands out by its ability to speak in various tones, expressing different emotions and asking intelligent questions to better understand user queries. Markus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes, emphasized the interactive nature, stating, “The car is your dialogue partner. You can ask questions, have a conversation, be productive.”
Rollout in the New Concept CLA Class
The advanced virtual assistant will be integrated into vehicles, including the new concept CLA class, an all-electric rendition of the carmaker’s smaller four-door model, set to premiere in North America at the CES 2024 trade show. This move aligns with the automotive industry’s trend of distinguishing brands through software offerings, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles.
Evolution of Voice Assistant Technology
In the ever-evolving landscape of voice assistant technology in cars, competitors like Volkswagen are not far behind. Volkswagen showcased vehicles featuring a voice assistant incorporating ChatGPT technology, enabling drivers to have researched content read aloud during their drives. Mercedes’ virtual assistant, however, introduces a plausibility check feature, ensuring trustworthiness by validating recommendations through cloud data and customer feedback.
MBUX Infotainment System Enhancements
Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, already acclaimed for its comprehensive features, receives notable enhancements. The 2024 CES show in Las Vegas previewed these additions, including a more sophisticated voice assistant employing advanced AI for natural interactions. The system now boasts empathetic responses, inflections, and even a touch of sarcasm, adding a unique touch to user engagement.
Interactive Features for an Enhanced Driving Experience
Ambient interior lighting in various colors, haptic feedback embedded in seats, and the virtual assistant’s understanding of a driver’s daily routine contribute to an enriched driving experience. The system can access a user’s calendar, suggesting actions like making virtual calls to meetings when running late. In-car gaming, a partnership with Antstream Arcade, and entertainment content from Sony Entertainment via the Ridevu app further enhance the system’s versatility.
Autonomous Driving and Audio Content Streaming
Mercedes introduces audio content streaming partnerships with Amazon Music and Audible, integrated into MBUX and optimized for Dolby Atmos spatial audio capability. For users of the level 3 autonomous driving system, available in California, Nevada, and Germany, the car becomes a mobile entertainment hub, allowing movie watching or gaming during the commute.
Unique Features: NFT Display and Sound Drive
In a quirky twist, MBUX adds features for displaying NFTs and introduces Sound Drive, a collaboration with rapper and music producer will.i.am. Sound Drive allows drivers to manipulate their cars like musical instruments, creating unique melodies based on driving inputs. The system, set to debut in mid-2024, reflects a distinctive and creative use of the MBUX system’s hardware.
Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology with its advanced virtual assistant and enhanced MBUX infotainment system, promising a more engaging and personalized driving experience for users. The integration of AI, unique features like Sound Drive, and strategic partnerships demonstrate the brand’s commitment to innovation in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
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Source(s): Car And Driver; Photo(s) Credit: Mercedes-Benz
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