Mercedes-Benz Unveils Enriched Machine-and-Person Experiences at CES 2024
Introduction
At CES 2024, Mercedes-Benz dazzled the audience with its vision for the future of in-vehicle experiences, unveiling a suite of innovations designed to create an unparalleled hyper-personalized and immersive journey for drivers and passengers alike. Powered by the game-changing MB.OS, the automaker showcased its commitment to revolutionizing the human-machine interaction within its vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz MBUX: The Next Generation of In-Vehicle Intelligence
Taking center stage was the enhanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), a comprehensive system that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with human-centric design. MBUX integrates an array of features and applications, including the remarkable ChatGPT voice control generative AI MBUX Virtual Assistant, the groundbreaking MBUX Surround Navigation, and an ever-expanding ecosystem of content, entertainment, and productivity apps.
MBUX Virtual Assistant: A Personalized Conversational AI Co-pilot
The MBUX Virtual Assistant represents a quantum leap in in-vehicle voice control. Harnessing the capabilities of ChatGPT-based generative AI, it learns from customer actions and preferences, evolving into a highly personalized personal assistant. This intuitive co-pilot proactively offers suggestions and insights based on the driver’s actions, statements, and even moods.
To further enhance the conversational experience, MBUX augments voice interactions with captivating 3D animations created by Unity’s game engine. These animations display emotions and provide visual feedback through variations in movement, brightness, intensity, and color, creating a truly immersive and engaging interaction.
MBUX Surround Navigation: Blending the Real and Virtual Worlds
MBUX Surround Navigation redefines navigation by adding a new dimension of situational content surrounding the vehicle. This innovative system combines route guidance with relevant information detected by vehicle sensors, resulting in a comprehensive and immersive navigation experience.
For instance, the display might utilize 3D graphics to indicate potential hazards ahead, pedestrians walking alongside the car, or the traffic situation ahead. This “see what the car sees” approach provides drivers with a more intuitive and comprehensive understanding of their surroundings, enhancing safety and driving confidence.
MBUX Content and Collectibles: Expanding the In-Vehicle Entertainment Universe
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its in-vehicle content and entertainment offerings to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers. Through over-the-air (OTA) updates, the automaker can continuously introduce new features, apps, and content based on driver actions, past selections, and regional preferences.
Current supported applications include Zoom and WebEx video conferencing, with Microsoft Teams meetings support coming soon in Q1 2024. Additionally, Sony Picture Entertainment’s (SPE) RIDEVU service will provide access to a curated library of films for streaming, featuring controls specifically designed for the vehicle’s environment.
Mercedes-Benz also introduced MBUX Collectibles, an in-car app that creates a private art gallery of digital art and NFT collectibles. This app can connect to the customer’s digital wallet and can also display other collections, allowing users to showcase their unique taste and personality within their vehicle.
MB.OS: The Foundation for a Hyper-Personalized User Experience
The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) serves as the bedrock for the enriched machine-and-person experiences showcased at CES 2024. MB.OS is an in-house developed platform that seamlessly integrates hardware, software, and services to create a user experience that is both intuitive and deeply personalized.
The system features a captivating three-display MBUX Superscreen, providing an immersive visual interface for accessing various apps and content. These apps are meticulously organized into four domains: Infotainment, Automated Driving, Body & Comfort, and Driving & Charging.
MB.OS also enables chip-to-cloud connectivity, ensuring that apps and content are always up-to-date and providing a consistent and seamless experience across all Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This connectivity also allows for continuous learning and adaptation, enabling the system to become even more personalized and responsive over time.
Availability and Future Plans
Mercedes-Benz did not provide a specific timeline for the release of the enriched machine-and-person experiences showcased at CES 2024. However, the automaker hinted that these innovations will initially be available in vehicles built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.
The company’s unwavering commitment to hyper-personalization and continuous innovation suggests that these features will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of in-vehicle experiences. As technology continues to advance, Mercedes-Benz is poised to deliver even more immersive and intuitive experiences for its customers, redefining the way we interact with our vehicles.