Mercedes-Benz has announced that its US-market cars will soon be available with ChatGPT integration, with the AI program to form a part of its voice control systems.
The integration of the system is voluntary - with customers who want to participate able to install the technology through the Mercedes me app, or by using the voice command "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta programme."
The installation of ChatGPT to the owner's car will then happen over the air. Mercedes-Benz is using the Azure OpenAI Service, which is operated in part by Microsoft.
Functionality
Mercedes-Benz cars currently feature the MBUX voice assistant, through which drivers and passengers can receive sport and weather information, ask the voice assistant questions or control certain smart features in their homes.
ChatGPT will form an extension to the MBUX system - while most voice assistants are limited to a set number of predefined questions, variables and responses, ChatGPT is powered by a large language model, meaning that it can expand the language understanding and the topics that the driver and passengers can ask the system.
"Users will experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but can also conduct conversations," says the company.
"Soon, participants who ask the Voice Assistant for details about their destination, to suggest a new dinner recipe, or to answer a complex question, will receive a more comprehensive answer - while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
Data privacy
One of the key concerns with ChatGPT and similar programs is how the system collects users' data and how securely that data is stored - last month, the German government launched a data protection inquiry alongside other EU countries into how the model uses personal data.
As the integration of ChatGPT is as an extension to a system already operated by Mercedes, the company retains control over the processes going on in the background. The voice command data collected does not go to OpenAI, but to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymised.
Mercedes-Benz is taking the question of data protection seriously - labelling it as a "top priority." The company has also stated that its customers are aware of the information collected and the purpose of collecting it.
The US-based beta programme - intended to test the real-life benefits and implications of the system in Mercedes cars - is expected to last three months and will help engineers to define the limits of the ChatGPT system, including where to set boundaries on data collection.
Mercedes' approach
While it is keeping a close eye on the risks associated, Mercedes-Benz is making its stance on the integration of AI into facets of life clear.
"The integration of ChatGPT with Microsoft in our controlled cloud environment is a milestone on our way to making our cars the centre of our customers' digital lives," said Markus Schafer, chief technology officer of Mercedes.
"Our customers can always rely on us to ensure the best possible protection of their data privacy. Everything is under one big goal: Redefining the relationship with your Mercedes."
The trial is only open to Mercedes' US customers at the moment - it is unknown whether the technology will come to Ireland in the near future.
ChatGPT
The world's most prominent artificial intelligence 'chatbot', ChatGPT was initially launched in November of 2022, and has sparked intense debate and controversy about its use in day-to-day life.
Since its release, over 20,000 signatories including Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak signed an open letter calling for a "pause" of AI development, warning that such systems "pose profound risks to society and humanity."
Conversely, many have hailed the program as ground-breaking - writing in the New York Times, author Kevin Roose branded it as "the best artificial intelligence chatbot ever released to the general public."
ChatGPT is available to anyone with an OpenAI account and can be accessed by clicking this link.