Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud have recently announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, introducing new conversational capabilities to the MBUX Virtual Assistant. This enhancement is powered by Google Cloud’s innovative Automotive AI Agent, built using Gemini on Vertex AI.
The Automotive AI Agent is designed specifically for the automotive industry, utilizing information from Google Maps Platform to provide users with personalized and detailed responses regarding navigation, points of interest, and more. Google Maps Platform offers Mercedes-Benz owners access to fresh and accurate information about 250 million locations worldwide, with over 100 million updates made to the map each day.
With this new feature, users can engage in natural conversations with the MBUX Virtual Assistant, asking questions like, “Could you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” Follow-up questions such as, “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” or “What is the chef’s signature dish?” can also be seamlessly answered by the Virtual Assistant, displaying navigation details through the vehicle’s native interface. This enhanced search and navigation experience will be available in the MBUX Virtual Assistant, starting with Mercedes-Benz’s new CLA series later this year.
The Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent enables the MBUX Virtual Assistant to handle complex, multi-turn dialogues and retain memory of conversations, allowing users to continue conversations and reference information throughout their drives. Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the aim to provide customers with an exceptional digital experience through advanced navigation features.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, highlighted the transformational potential of the partnership, stating that the collaboration will bring cutting-edge AI breakthroughs to enhance driving experiences. The new AI-enhanced Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature will debut in the new Mercedes‑Benz CLA, the first vehicle designed with the new Mercedes-Benz operating system, MB.OS. Future plans include rolling out this feature to additional models with the MBUX Voice Assistant.
Overall, the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud signifies a significant step forward in leveraging AI technology to enhance the automotive industry. The introduction of the Automotive AI Agent promises to revolutionize in-car navigation and provide users with an intuitive and personalized driving experience. Stay tuned for the launch of this exciting new feature in the Mercedes‑Benz CLA later this year.
