Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first automaker to secure U.S. state approval for deploying a SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving system. This pioneering technology, known as DRIVE PILOT, allows drivers to delegate the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under specific conditions, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of Mercedes Benz Autonomous Car development.
The production-ready DRIVE PILOT system is set to debut on roads in California and Nevada in late 2023 with a limited fleet of Level 3-equipped EQS Sedans, branded as DRIVE PILOT: First Class. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand customer availability in early 2024, offering DRIVE PILOT in MY2024 EQS Sedan and S-Class models through authorized dealerships in these states. This landmark achievement positions Mercedes-Benz as a frontrunner in bringing advanced autonomous driving capabilities to everyday consumers.
California and Nevada have taken the lead in regulatory approval, certifying DRIVE PILOT for use on major freeways. While state-by-state regulations vary, Mercedes-Benz is committed to extending the availability of this innovative technology to additional U.S. markets in the future, paving the way for wider adoption of mercedes benz autonomous car technology.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the significance of this achievement: “DRIVE PILOT is the world’s first and only system for conditionally automated driving with internationally valid type approval. Its sophisticated system architecture, built on redundancy with diverse sensor types, underscores our commitment to safety – a core Mercedes-Benz value. Responsible implementation of this technology is paramount for customer trust and societal acceptance.”
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, highlights the transformative nature of DRIVE PILOT: “DRIVE PILOT represents a technological game changer and a monumental stride towards conditionally automated driving. This groundbreaking system reaffirms our dedication to leadership in both safety and technology, while offering our customers the invaluable gift of time back during congested traffic.”
Understanding DRIVE PILOT: A SAE Level 3 Autonomous System
DRIVE PILOT is a cutting-edge SAE Level 3 system, signifying “conditional driving automation.” This means that under specific parameters, the mercedes benz autonomous car can manage the dynamic driving task. Specifically, DRIVE PILOT can take over control at speeds up to 40 mph on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density. Once engaged, the system autonomously manages speed, distance, and lane keeping. A key benefit is that during DRIVE PILOT operation, drivers can engage in permissible secondary activities on the vehicle’s central display, activities that are typically restricted while manually driving.
Safety is paramount in the design of DRIVE PILOT. Building upon the advanced sensor technology of Mercedes-Benz’s Driver Assistance Package, DRIVE PILOT incorporates additional critical sensors for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicles, and a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with DRIVE PILOT feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies are crucial for maintaining vehicle maneuverability and ensuring a safe transition back to manual driving should any system malfunction.
DRIVE PILOT will be available on select EQS and S-Class models through the U.S. Mercedes me connect store, initially offered via subscription starting at $2,500. This subscription model allows customers to fully understand the system’s capabilities at activation and offers flexibility, particularly for those who may relocate to areas where Level 3 functionality is not available.
Precision Technology Behind Mercedes Benz Autonomous Car
The operational accuracy of DRIVE PILOT hinges on a high-precision positioning system, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional GPS. This system can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches. Complementing this is a digital HD map, providing a three-dimensional representation of the road and surroundings. This map incorporates data on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events like accidents or construction. Data is gathered and anonymized from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, constantly updating the HD map stored in backend data centers. Each mercedes benz autonomous car also maintains a local copy of this map, continuously comparing and updating it with backend data to ensure optimal performance.
The Future of Autonomous Driving and Regulatory Landscape
Mercedes-Benz is proactively addressing the social and ethical considerations of autonomous driving. The company has developed turquoise-colored Automated Driving Marker Lights (based on SAE J3134 Recommended Practice) to visually indicate when DRIVE PILOT is active to other road users. While a national regulatory framework for such visual indicators is still under development in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is actively engaged in discussions with state and federal agencies to adapt and align DRIVE PILOT’s system architecture with evolving standards.
Mercedes-Benz prioritizes legal compliance in deploying new technologies on public roads. A dedicated interdisciplinary team of technical, legal, ethical, certification, and safety experts ensured that DRIVE PILOT’s development process rigorously translated traffic regulations into functional software. Mercedes-Benz adheres to NHTSA guidelines for ADS-equipped vehicles, reinforcing their commitment to responsible innovation in the mercedes benz autonomous car space.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the United States, offering a diverse luxury lineup from SUVs to flagship sedans and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family.
- SAE Level 3 Definition: Autonomous driving function takes over driving tasks, but driver must be ready to intervene when prompted.
- Permissible Secondary Activities: Legality depends on specific national or state traffic regulations.
