Imagine arriving at the luxurious InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown in your all-electric Mercedes-Benz and simply letting the car park itself. This vision of future mobility became a tangible reality during a groundbreaking demonstration of automated valet parking, featuring the sophisticated Mercedes-EQ EQS sedan. This innovative technology, a collaboration between Bosch and Mercedes-Benz, promises to redefine the parking experience in bustling urban centers like downtown Los Angeles.
At the heart of this demonstration is the cutting-edge automated valet parking technology developed by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz. The system seamlessly integrates INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT in the Mercedes-EQ EQS with a user-friendly smartphone app, showcasing a holistic approach to the future of vehicle convenience. This event, hosted at the prestigious InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles Hotel, an 889-room landmark in the tallest building west of Chicago, highlights the practical application of this technology in a real-world environment.
Dr. Kay Stepper, Senior Vice President of Automated Driving and Driver Assistance for Bosch in North America, emphasized the significance of this real-world demonstration. “The demonstration at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown vividly illustrates how automated valet parking will function in a dynamic hotel setting, navigating both automated and conventional vehicles alongside pedestrian traffic,” Dr. Stepper stated. “This deployment allows us to delve into the intricacies of local implementation, utilizing the highly connected Mercedes-EQ EQS to demonstrate the continuous advancement of automated technology.”
Dr. Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, highlighted the luxury aspect and time-saving benefits for Mercedes-Benz customers. “Our vision centers on giving our customers the invaluable gift of time. The EQS already offers time back by autonomously navigating highway traffic jams, and with INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, it extends this convenience to parking itself,” Dr. Skogstad explained. He further elaborated, “INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, combined with the necessary infrastructure, delivers an automated valet service that elevates customer comfort and simplifies daily life.”
INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT Takes Center Stage in Downtown Los Angeles
The demonstration prominently featured the Mercedes-Benz EQS, leveraging its existing onboard hardware – already available in models like the S-Class and EQS in Germany and Europe with optional equipment. This system interacted seamlessly with Bosch’s intelligent infrastructure, specifically installed within the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown parking garage, enabling the vehicle to autonomously navigate and park.
Strategically placed sensors within the parking structure communicate with the vehicle, providing guidance for maneuvering through the garage environment. Furthermore, the demonstration showcased the potential for expanded services, including automated EV charging, car washes, and routine vehicle maintenance. In these scenarios, vehicles would autonomously move to and from service areas, guided by the intelligent infrastructure, further enhancing convenience for Mercedes-Benz owners in downtown Los Angeles.
With the required optional equipment* and corresponding Mercedes me Connect service (availability depending on country), the EQS possesses the inherent technology to autonomously enter and exit multi-story parking facilities equipped with Bosch Automated Valet infrastructure. This driverless operation is contingent upon the availability of the Connect service, booking for the specific EQS variant, and adherence to national legislation. This highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to its customers in key markets like Los Angeles.
Smartphone App: A Key Component of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience
The envisioned user experience begins with the driver conveniently parking their Mercedes-Benz EQS in a designated drop-off zone at the parking facility. After all occupants have exited the vehicle, the driver initiates the automated parking sequence via a user-friendly smartphone app. The parking garage’s sensor system verifies the availability of a suitable parking space, or confirms a pre-reserved spot for the vehicle. Upon confirmation from the Automated Valet Parking infrastructure in the app, the driver can confidently leave their EQS.
The EQS then autonomously starts and navigates driverless to its assigned parking space, guided by the infrastructure within the parking facility. Upon their return, the driver can summon the EQS to a designated pick-up area using a simple command on their smartphone. This streamlined process eliminates the often frustrating search for parking and the lengthy walk from the parking garage to their final destination in downtown Los Angeles, saving valuable time for Mercedes-Benz drivers.
A Significant Step Towards Fully Automated Driving in Urban Environments
Automated parking technology demonstrably showcases the tangible benefits of automation for drivers, particularly by alleviating the often stressful and time-consuming parking experience in busy cities like Los Angeles.
“Low-speed maneuvers are a crucial aspect of the broader potential of automated technology,” Stepper noted. “Automated technology, specifically in the context of automated valet parking, provides consumers with a comfortable introduction to how automation functions and the real-world advantages it offers.” This demonstration serves as a key milestone in building consumer trust and understanding of automated driving systems in everyday scenarios.
Bosch’s engineering teams have been dedicated to the ongoing development of automated valet parking over recent years, actively supporting rigorous testing and deployments across the globe. This commitment underscores the dedication to refining and expanding the reach of this transformative technology.
Benefits for Mercedes-Benz Owners and Parking Operators in Downtown LA
Automated valet parking yields significant advantages for both Mercedes-Benz drivers and parking garage operators, especially in densely populated areas like downtown Los Angeles. For drivers, the elimination of the parking search and the associated time savings are invaluable benefits. For parking garage operators, the technology offers the potential to increase parking capacity, as vehicles parked autonomously require less space since no room is needed for door opening after parking. Furthermore, operators can offer value-added services such as automated charging, car washing, and vehicle maintenance, creating new revenue streams and enhancing the overall parking experience in downtown Los Angeles.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.
About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America
At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBUSI), we develop and certify cars for the U.S. and the world in six locations. Our work ranges from EV battery research to hybrid powertrain calibration and certification, from telematics to autonomous driving software, and from advanced exterior design to UX. It’s not just about cars, it’s also about creating the latest and greatest software, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking innovation.
About Bosch
Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs 35,300 associates in more than 100 locations, as of December 31, 2021. According to preliminary figures, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $13.6 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.bosch.us, www.bosch.ca and www.bosch.mx.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 401,300 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2021). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 78.8 billion euros in 2021. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. With its more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon neutral since the first
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