Mercedes-Benz announced today it is integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into the voice control of some of its vehicles.
In a press release, the luxury car maker announced it was bringing the AI chatbot into its vehicles that come equipped with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). MBUX is Mercedes-Benz's advanced multimedia infotainment system launched back in 2018. ChatGPT will be integrated into the company's car systems through Microsoft's Azure OpenAI service.
Mercedes-Benz will roll out an optional beta, which starts June 16 and will be available for over 900,000 vehicles that are equipped with MBUX, such as the Mercedes-Benz X 294. The beta is expected to last three months, according to the company.
The automaker claims the ChatGPT integrations will not only make the car system's answers sound more natural but will be capable of having full conversations with the driver — all hand-free so they can keep their eyes on the road.
Mercedes-Benz is not the first automaker to explore ChatGPT in its vehicles. In March, General Motors told Reuters it was exploring the idea of adding ChatGPT into its cars, with president Scot Miller explaining how the AI chatbot could be used to access information found in the owner's manual or integrate schedules from a calendar into the car system.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.