It looks like AI is making its way to cars a lot sooner than some would expect. Mercedes-Benz is looking to give its users a chance to try out ChatGPT on the road. Mercedes is set the initial trial to be available in a three-month beta program for its American customers, with plans for a broader and more permanent rollout down the line.
The latest ChatGPT integration would mean that automakers would see the use of the “Hey Mercedes” assistant function utilized at a higher pedigree. For example, mere commands like turning up the heat or asking the weather forecasts could turn into conversations with AI that include follow-up questions and more. Mercedes has also confirmed that it is currently “exploring” ChatGPT plugins that would allow AI to help with additional functions like making restaurant reservations or even booking a movie ticket in the user’s natural language.
Taking safety into consideration, the ChatGPT function is voice-only to minimize distractions but also allow it to help the user in the commands necessary. It might even be able to help to answer phones while the driver is behind the wheel. Mercedes and Microsoft is working with Azure for their “enterprise-grade security, privacy and reliability” for data protection. Azure states that the conversations will be “stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed,” meaning that AI will be listening at all times, sparking potential concern for privacy. The three-month beta program is expected to launch this week.
In other automotive news, Telo has announced its tiny electric MT1 pickup truck.
