Cerence Inc. has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to integrate its conversational AI technologies into the next-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant, debuting in the all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA. This collaboration marks the first deployment of the fourth-generation MBUX and the launch of MB.OS, delivering advanced agentic and generative AI capabilities for an enhanced in-car experience.
Cerence AI powers MBUX Virtual Assistant in Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Supports 25 languages with speech recognition and neural TTS.
Features a "living" Mercedes-Benz star avatar for interaction.
Enables empathetic, natural responses based on user’s voice.
Marks first launch of MB.OS with advanced AI capabilities.
Strengthens long-term Cerence AI and Mercedes-Benz partnership.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by Cerence AI, introduces advanced conversational capabilities in the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Leveraging Cerence’s core technologies, including speech signal enhancement, cloud-based neural speech recognition, natural language understanding, and embedded neural text-to-speech, the system supports seamless interactions across 25 languages. This enables drivers to engage naturally with the platform, enhancing usability and accessibility in the electric sedan.
A standout feature of the MBUX Virtual Assistant is its "living" avatar, styled as the Mercedes-Benz star. This dynamic interface, powered by Cerence’s neural text-to-speech, adapts to the user’s voice, delivering responses in varying emotional speaking styles for a more empathetic and personalized experience. This innovation elevates the in-car interaction, making it more intuitive and engaging for drivers and passengers.
The deployment marks the debut of Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS, a new operating system designed to enhance in-car intelligence. Cerence AI’s solutions serve as the core input and output mechanisms, enabling the agentic architecture to integrate various services and agents. “We greatly value our ongoing partnership with Mercedes-Benz and are proud of our joint effort to integrate our AI solutions, transforming the in-car experience for drivers and passengers around the world,” said Christian Mentz, Chief Revenue Officer, Cerence AI.
Cerence AI and Mercedes-Benz have a longstanding partnership focused on advancing the MBUX infotainment system. “As we continue to advance MBUX and the Virtual Assistant, we continue our collaboration with Cerence AI to leverage their ongoing innovation in core voice interaction technologies to bring enhanced intelligence and seamless interaction to our drivers,” said Andreas Biehl, Senior Manager Virtual Assistant & Infotainment Experience at Mercedes-Benz. This project underscores Cerence’s ability to deliver scalable AI solutions tailored to automakers’ needs, enhancing driver choice and experience.
The integration of Cerence AI’s technologies in the Mercedes-Benz CLA sets a new standard for intelligent in-car experiences, combining advanced voice interaction with a user-centric design to redefine automotive infotainment.
Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.
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