Mercedes-Benz, the renowned German automaker, has taken a groundbreaking step in integrating cutting-edge technology within its vehicles. At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the company unveiled an updated version of its MBUX Virtual Assistant, now enhanced with an NFT gallery and an AI voice assistant capable of emotional profiles.
The new MBUX Virtual Assistant operates on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a proprietary platform developed in-house. Its unique feature is a large language model (LLM) that enables interaction with drivers through one of four emotional profiles: natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic. This level of interaction marks a significant advancement in automotive AI, as noted by Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz’s chief technology officer.
Initially announced in June 2023, the MBUX system was set to incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot. However, Schäfer indicates that Mercedes-Benz may consider other chatbot options to ensure the best customer experience. This approach signifies the brand’s commitment to adapting and evolving with technological advancements.
Beyond AI, Mercedes-Benz is also pioneering the use of blockchain technology in the automotive industry. Their latest innovation includes the MBUX Collectibles in-car app, which allows drivers to display their NFT collection, including Mercedes-Benz’s own NXT NFTs, on the vehicle’s dashboard. This feature is powered by the Ethereum blockchain, demonstrating the brand’s foresight in combining luxury and digital asset trends.
The commitment to blockchain extends to environmental responsibility as well. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Circulor, a traceability start-up, to track CO2 emissions in its cobalt supply chain using blockchain technology. This move represents a significant stride towards sustainable and transparent manufacturing practices.
The updated MBUX Virtual Assistant is expected to launch in early 2025, marking a new era in luxury automotive technology, where AI and blockchain converge to enhance the driving experience.
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