Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud today announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership. This collaboration will bring cutting-edge conversational AI to the MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by Google Cloud’s groundbreaking Automotive AI Agent.
Built upon the powerful Gemini models on Vertex AI, the Automotive AI Agent is specifically designed for the automotive industry. It leverages the vast and constantly updated information from Google Maps Platform, enabling users to interact with the MBUX Virtual Assistant more naturally and receive highly personalized responses.
Enhanced Navigation and Search:
Drivers can now engage in conversations with the MBUX Virtual Assistant, asking questions like, “Could you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” The system then provides accurate, real-time information, including restaurant reviews, chef specialties, and seamless navigation directions displayed directly on the vehicle’s interface.
Multi-turn Conversations and Retained Memory:
The Automotive AI Agent excels in handling complex, multi-turn dialogues. It retains memory of conversations, allowing users to continue inquiries and build upon previous information throughout their journey.
Executive Quotes:
- Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG: “At Mercedes-Benz, we strive to provide our customers with an exceptional digital experience. Our partnership with Google Cloud will significantly enhance in-car navigation, combining sophisticated location data with generative AI. Launching with the new CLA, our next-gen navigation will empower drivers and passengers to obtain comprehensive and personalized information within seconds.”
- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet: “Mercedes-Benz is renowned for delivering an unparalleled driving experience. Our partnership will integrate cutting-edge AI breakthroughs, making these experiences even more exceptional. Our new Automotive AI Agent will revolutionize how drivers navigate and search with in-vehicle assistants, making these interactions more natural and helpful. This marks the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry, and I am thrilled to see our partnership drive progress forward.”
Availability:
The AI-enhanced Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature will initially be available in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year. This model will be the first to feature the innovative Mercedes-Benz operating system, MB.OS. A phased rollout to further models equipped with the MBUX Voice Assistant is also planned.
About Google Cloud:
Google Cloud is a leading provider of cloud computing services, offering a comprehensive suite of AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools. Google Cloud empowers organizations to transform their businesses with its powerful, fully integrated, and optimized AI stack, built upon its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, and cutting-edge generative AI models.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
