Mercedes turning to AI for better infotainment

Mercedes-Benz is previewing its upcoming AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in what the carmaker describes as "game-changing."

The "Hey Mercedes" function will be a focal point, promising a more "natural, human-like" experience, while presenting drivers with a new visual interface that was developed in the Unity engine – a tool commonly used in the development of video games.

"Mercedes-Benz is reinventing the digital passenger experience by leveraging AI to offer human-like interaction with the intelligent MBUX Virtual Assistant. It includes empathetic characteristics that sync with your driving style and mood," said Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Ola Källenius.

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AI technology has taken the world by storm in the past year, particularly capturing a lot of attention with generative AI systems such as text-to-image applications, and language models such as the popular ChatGPT – revealed this week to be coming to future Volkswagen cars.

Other carmakers have also seen opportunity with AI, with Kia revealing it will soon have a chatbot integrated into its vehicles to help owners get answers to any questions.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant runs on Mercedes' own MB.OS operating system and is one of many innovations the German maker promises to reveal during CES.

The Consumer Electronics Show is held annually in Las Vegas and will run in 2024 between the 10th and 12th of January.