The Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant was shown off by the Germany-based auto brand at CES 2024 as a human-like technology that will elevate the in-car experience for drivers.
The assistant makes use of a large language model (LLM) to interact with the driver with one of four emotional profiles, which includes personal, predictive, natural and empathetic. This gives more personality to the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant's persona, while the system will also learn continuously about the driver's habits including radio preferences, seat massager settings and more.
The Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant is slated to launch in early 2025 and won't see data shared across different drivers to prioritize a private experience. Drivers not interested can also opt out of the program.
Human-Like Automotive Assistants
The Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant Has Four Emotional Profiles
Trend Themes
1. Human-like Automotive Assistants - The Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant uses emotional profiles to create a personalized and empathetic in-car experience.
2. Large Language Models for Interactions - The use of a large language model allows the Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant to engage with drivers in a natural and predictive manner.
3. Continuous Learning AI-powered Assistants - The Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant continuously learns about the driver's preferences and habits to provide a more personalized and tailored experience.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - Human-like automotive assistants such as the Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant present disruptive innovation possibilities in enhancing the in-car experience for drivers.
2. Artificial Intelligence Industry - The development of emotional profiles and continuous learning AI-powered assistants like the Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant showcases potential disruptive innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.
3. Data Privacy Industry - The prioritization of a private experience and the option for drivers to opt out of data sharing in the Mercedes MBUX Virtual Assistant highlights the importance of data privacy in emerging automotive technologies.