Mercedes-Benz has just introduced the new operating system MB.OS, developed internally by the German brand, which will debut in the production version of the future CLA Concept, based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), and which focuses on Artificial Intelligence.
Presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the new operating system’s main functionality is the implementation of the new generation of the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which promises to offer “suggestions based on learned behavior over time and will get to know the driver like never before”, in order to play the latest news or start the driver’s favorite massage program at the end of a workday, thus learning to anticipate the driver’s needs.
Benefiting from the use of generative Artificial Intelligence and proactive intelligence, the new assistant presents four personality traits: Natural, Predictive, Personal, and Empathetic, which according to Mercedes, “will allow a conversation and interaction similar to talking to a friend”.
Therefore, it is no longer necessary to use the keyword ‘Hey Mercedes’ to start the virtual assistant, and the system can respond to questions and ask for clarification by asking its own “smart questions”.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant will also start using a star as an avatar on the central infotainment screen to express different moods, such as calm or excited.
In this way, if the system detects that the driver is displaying altered behavior, it will provide shorter and more direct alerts. On the other hand, if it detects that the driver is in a good mood, it will respond in a more animated tone.
In addition, the new MB.OS operating system will also debut a new MBUX Surround Navigation, which makes use of advanced 3D graphics to provide a detailed global map that displays different types of traffic, from light to heavy vehicles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians near the road. The new system also allows overlaying the route guidance on the screen to enable easier navigation than ever before.
Mercedes also promises that the new MBUX will provide a wide range of services, from video streaming that will be updated by Sony Pictures Entertainment’s RIDEVU service, as well as a series of video games, which will be implemented as part of the German brand’s partnership with Antstream.
