Mercedes-Benz has done something strange as the German automaker added ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI) to more than 900,000 cars. The automaker started rolling out this new technology last June 16 as part of a beta program. 

The ChatGPT feature works with the brand’s AI MBUX Voice Assistant control to offer better suggestions and expand its extensive command options. 

It will benefit the MBUX software as, together with ChatGPT, it can provide more details about the user’s chosen destination and better respond to the question to more complex related questions. 

It will also be safer for the vehicle's driver as they can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road instead of searching for an answer via their phones.

Expanding the use of AI

Here is where things will get technical, but we will keep it as simple as possible; the integration of ChatGPT through Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service will help the MBUX system utilize a bigger language model to create more natural dialogue for the Voice Assistant. 

The result is a voice assistant that accepts natural voice commands and creates a conversation between the technology and the software, bringing it closer to human-to-human interaction.

Think of it as if Google Assistant or Siri could have longer and more meaningful dialogues with you instead of the typical command-and-answer system. 

What about security risks?

Having ChatGPT will open up Mercedes-Benz to a mountain of data collected from its users. The data they collect may harm the user if it is leaked or hacked into. 

However, thanks to their partnership with Microsoft with their Azure OpenAI software, the German automaker will have access to the company’s "enterprise-grade security, privacy, and reliability capabilities."

As an added security layer, the German brand will still have complete control over the information technology process that operates in the system's background. Voice command data will be stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, which the German brand will analyze to further its AI technology. 

Mercedes-Benz's Chief Technology Officer over development and procurement, Markus Schäfer, has also stated that customers are "free to make their own decisions" concerning protecting their data and that the German brand will be transparent as its customers will know "at all times what information is collected and for what purpose."

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