Mercedes to launch human-like AI car assistant

Voice assistants have been in cars for a while but Mercedes-Benz aims to make the feature more intuitive and “human”, like the talking car called KITT in the Knight Rider TV series.

The German carmaker will unveil an artificial intelligence (AI) powered MBUX Virtual Assistant it said will take the driver-car relationship into a new dimension with natural, human-like interaction. It will unveil the technology at the Consumer Electronics Show on in Las Vegas from January 9 to 13.

Mercedes has not revealed details about the system except to say it will be a game-changer with a “hyperpersonalised user experience, an extension of you and seamlessly in tune with your needs”.

Existing voice assistants allow users to control car functions such as climate control, navigation, audio systems and electric windows, as a less distracting alternative to using a touchscreen while driving.

Early in-car voice assistants were rudimentary but the technology has become better at understanding natural speech over the past decade, and Mercedes hinted its new system may be akin to a Siri on steroids.

The carmaker said the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant will also be taken into a new visual dimension with high-resolution game-engine graphics. This advanced AI-powered feature combines the intelligent systems of MBUX into a single entity and presents an expressive new face to the customer with natural interaction.

“Mercedes-Benz is reinventing the digital passenger experience by leveraging AI to offer human-like interaction with the intelligent MBUX Virtual Assistant. It includes empathetic characteristics that sync with your driving style and mood. This approach will define the future of digital luxury,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz.