Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Intelligent dialogue technology combined with augmented reality: Ask Mercedes: the virtual assistant for immediate help
november 23, 2017 - Mercedes-Benz

Intelligent dialogue technology combined with augmented reality: Ask Mercedes: the virtual assistant for immediate help

What is this button in the centre console for? How can I link my mobile phone with my car? What is "Sport+"? A host of questions posed by customers about the various displays, functions and controls of their vehicle can now be answered by the virtual assistant "Ask Mercedes". The new service makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) and combines a chatbot with augmented reality functions: questions can be typed in on a #smartphone screen or asked using voice recognition. Furthermore, in the new E- and S-Class, controls and displays can be scanned using a #smartphone camera. Once the objects have been visually identified, an explanation of the corresponding function is provided.

At any time, anywhere and via a variety of channels: "Ask Mercedes" takes customer interaction to a new level. The free app combines a chatbot (speech-based dialogue system; the term is composed of the words "to chat" and "bot"/"robot") with augmented reality (technology to supplement a camera image with computer-generated content).

With the intelligent virtual assistant, customers can get an answer, in real time, to their questions about operating their new vehicle. Owners of a new E- or S-Class can additionally get to know their car in a fun way: a #smartphone camera can be used to discover the interior, and the system is able to explain the displayed functions to the customer. And for those who want to get to know their vehicle at their own leisure, "Ask Mercedes" can also be used at home via social media (Facebook Messenger) or voice assistants (Google Home, Amazon Echo).

"We are creating a personalised customer experience that goes well beyond the vehicle. With innovative services such as 'Ask Mercedes', we are further expanding our digital ecosystem", says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for #mercedesbenz Cars Sales.

Chatbot: answers to all those car questions

With the "Ask Mercedes" app, customers can engage in dialogue with Mercedes and get a response immediately. The chatbot understands naturally spoken language and questions formulated in a wide variety of ways. "How can I drive more economically?" is understood just as easily as "What is DYNAMIC SELECT?", for example. But even questions about the #mercedesbenz brand and the Daimler company, such as "Who is actually the head of Mercedes?", are also answered.