Generative AI from Google is registered in Mercedes-Benz cars

Google Cloud has unveiled “a new way for automakers to harness the power of generative AI.” Google’s new Automotive AI Agent allows automakers to create personalized and intuitive AI assistants that can carry on conversations and answer complex questions such as “Is there an Italian restaurant near you?” or “What are the reviews for it?” and “What is the most popular dish there?”

Image source: techspot.com

Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud today announced they are expanding their strategic partnership to bring new conversational capabilities to the MBUX virtual assistant, powered by the Google Cloud Automotive AI Agent. Built using Gemini powered by Vertex AI, the Google Cloud Automotive AI Agent is specifically tuned for the automotive industry and interfaces directly with the Google Maps platform.

Mercedes-Benz is one of the first automakers to integrate an AI vehicle agent into its MBUX virtual assistant, which will appear in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year. According to Google, “MBUX’s advanced virtual assistant offers up-to-date, trusted information from the Google Maps platform and allows drivers and passengers to use voice commands to get personalized information about points of interest, traffic conditions and more in seconds.”

The Google Cloud Automotive AI Agent will also allow the MBUX virtual assistant to handle complex, multi-layered conversations and remember conversations to continue conversations on the same topic later.

«At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to offering our customers an exceptional digital experience. Our partnership with Google Cloud will further improve in-vehicle navigation by combining sophisticated location data with generative AI. Launched with the new CLA, our next-generation navigation will allow drivers and passengers to use voice commands to receive comprehensive and personalized information within seconds,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

«Mercedes-Benz is known for delivering incredible driving experiences, and our partnership will bring cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence to make that experience even better. Our new Automotive AI Agent will help drivers navigate and search with in-vehicle assistants, so these interactions will be more natural and rewarding. This is just the beginning of how agency capabilities can transform the auto industry, and I’m excited to see how our partnership drives progress forward,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

The new AI-enhanced Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature will be available in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year. This will be the first car developed with the new Mercedes-Benz MB.OS operating system. In the future, it is planned to introduce new AI functions into other models.