CES 2024: Mercedes unveils new AI-based virtual assistant for its cars – Times of India

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new virtual assistant at the ongoing CES 2024 electronics trade fair. The latest in-car assistant showcases the car maker’s continued integration of artificial intelligence in its vehicles. While launching the innovative assistant, the company claimed that it is designed to offer context-based suggestions and engage in dialogue with users.This new virtual assisstant also represents a significant advancement in automotive AI technology.

Mercedes-Benz in-car virtual assistant: Availability

The new virtual assistant will be introduced in upcoming vehicles, including the CLA class. These new cars will be an all-electric version of the automakers smaller four-door model. As electric vehicle hardware is less complex and variable compared to combustion-engine cars, the upcoming EV model aims to differentiate itself through its advanced software offerings.
Mercedes-Benz in-car virtual assisstant: Key features
According to Mercedes-Benz, the virtual assistant is capable of speaking in different tones and can convey various emotions. To clarify queries from users, the assisstant can also ask intelligent questions. Markus Schaefer, Mercedes‘ chief technology officer, emphasised that the car itself becomes a dialogue partner which allows users to ask questions, have conversations and be productive at the same

One of the notable feature of Mercedes-Benz’s virtual assistant is its plausibility check for responses. To cross-verify recommendations, the assistant will use both cloud data and customer feedback. For example, if a recommended restaurant or shop has closed down, the assistant will take this into account to ensure accurate and trustworthy information.
The carmaker has also acknowledged its responsibility to provide reliable information through its virtual assistant. Schaefer said: “We feel that we have an obligation if we put something in the car that you can trust the information.” With its context-based suggestions and engaging dialogue capabilities, this assistant is set to revolutionise the way users interact with their vehicles.
With features like personalised avatars and generative AI, voice assistant technology in cars has evolved rapidly. Apart from Mercedes, Volkswagen has also showcased its voice assistant integration that utilises OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to read researched content to drivers during their journeys. Volkswagen’s assistant which is expected to rollout by mid-2024 is also expected to engage in dialogue with users as well as remember previous questions.