American machine learning research company OpenAI’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT is taking over the world.

From helping students with research for their assignments to writing codes, the AI tool is making everyday work easier for many professionals around the world.

Besides having conversational dialogues, the chatbot will now make driving a Mercedes-Benz even more intuitive with the help of the highly-anticipated ChatGPT and MBUX infotainment system. The luxury carmaker is integrating ChatGPT through Azure OpenAI Service, leveraging the enterprise-grade capabilities of Microsoft’s cloud and AI platform.

ChatGPT will complement the existing intuitive voice control via ‘Hey Mercedes‘. The in-car voice control MBUX Voice Assistant, in association with ChatGPT, will be available in the US for over 900,000 customers as part of a beta programme. The US-focused beta programme is expected to last three months.

With the new integration, Mercedes-Benz users will get sports and weather updates. Customers can even have questions answered about their surroundings or even control their smart homes through the new feature.

“Mercedes-Benz users will experience a voice assistant that not only accepts natural voice commands but can also conduct conversations. 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,” the official statement read.

Data protection will also be a top priority for Mercedes-Benz. Customers will be kept in the loop about the information being collected and its purpose. Users can opt out of this if they wish to. “Mercedes-Benz protects all customer data from manipulation and misuse,” the statement said.”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. Our beta programme boosts the existing Hey Mercedes functions such as navigation queries, weather requests and others with the capabilities of ChatGPT. This way, we aim to support conversations with natural dialogues and follow-up questions. 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,” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The beta programme will be rolled out to eligible customers who own models – A 238, C 118, C 167, C 238, C 253, C 254, C 257, H 247, N 293, R 232, S 213, V 167, V 177, V 295, V 297, W 206, W 213, WV 223, X 167, X 243, X 247, X 253, X 254, X 294, X 296, Z 223 and Z 296.

What to join the beta programme?

• Install the Mercedes me app and participate
• Customers can directly apply using the voice command ‘Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta programme’ via the vehicle
• Also note, there will be no data transmission from the vehicle unless the customer has enrolled for the same