Google Cloud has unveiled “a new way for automakers to harness the power of generative AI.” The new Automotive AI Agent enables automakers to create personalized and intuitive AI assistants that can hold conversations and answer complex questions such as “Is there an Italian restaurant nearby?”, “What are the reviews?” and “What’s the most popular dish there?”
Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud announced an expansion of 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, this solution is specifically tuned for the automotive industry and communicates directly with the Google Maps platform.
Mercedes-Benz is among the first automakers to implement the Automotive AI Agent in its MBUX virtual assistant, which will appear in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year, notes NIXsolutions. According to Google, “the advanced MBUX virtual assistant offers up-to-date and reliable information from the Google Maps platform and allows drivers and passengers to use voice commands to receive personalized information about points of interest, traffic conditions, and more in seconds.”
Mercedes-Benz Implements New AI Agent
The Google Cloud Automotive AI Agent will also enable the MBUX virtual assistant to handle complex, multi-layered dialogues and remember conversations to continue the conversation 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-car navigation by combining complex 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 advancements in artificial intelligence to make that experience even better. Our new Automotive AI Agent will help drivers navigate and search with in-car assistants, so those interactions are more natural and useful. This is just the beginning of how agent capabilities can transform the automotive industry, and I’m excited to see how our partnership drives progress,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
The new AI-enhanced Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature is set to arrive in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year, making it the first car developed with the new Mercedes-Benz MB.OS operating system. More AI features are planned for additional models in the future, and we’ll keep you updated on any upcoming developments.