In the era of automotive AI, major car manufacturers have been integrating their homegrown autonomous driving technologies. As a German luxury brand with over a century of history, Mercedes-Benz is also determined not to fall behind in the race for self-driving innovation.
Mercedes-Benz recently introduced its advanced Drive Pilot technology, which has evolved significantly from the 2017 E-Class to the 2018 S-Class. This system is considered one of the most sophisticated in the industry, offering features that set it apart from competitors.
One of the key components of Drive Pilot is the Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, an enhanced version of adaptive cruise control. When activated, it allows the driver to set a speed, and the vehicle will maintain that speed while automatically adjusting based on traffic conditions. If the car ahead slows down, the system will follow at a safe distance, and if the vehicle stops, it will come to a halt as well—without requiring any input from the driver.
Additionally, the system can recognize speed limit signs and adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly. It even has the ability to detect lane markings or determine the driving path using sensor data when road markings are unclear or absent. This makes it more reliable in various driving environments.
Another standout feature is the Active Lane Change Assist. With this system, the driver can signal a lane change using the turn indicator. The car then checks for obstacles and approaching vehicles before making the move automatically within 10 seconds. This helps reduce the risk of accidents during lane changes.
To ensure the driver remains attentive, the system periodically reminds them to touch the steering wheel. If ignored, it will continue to alert the driver until the car comes to a stop and displays a warning light. This design reflects Mercedes-Benz’s cautious approach to autonomous driving, emphasizing safety over full automation.
While the hardware details haven't been fully disclosed, it's likely that the system includes a front-facing camera, long-range radar, side-mounted radars, ultrasonic sensors, and possibly multiple surround-view cameras. Mobileye’s EyeQ3 chip could also be involved, given its reputation for reliability in vision processing.
Compared to Tesla’s more aggressive approach, Mercedes-Benz appears more conservative, focusing on incremental improvements rather than radical changes. The company aims to gradually increase the level of autonomy, aiming for 90% automated driving by next year. However, achieving true Level 4 autonomy requires collaboration with suppliers like Bosch, who are working on developing fully autonomous taxis for 2021.
Despite these efforts, Mercedes-Benz still emphasizes that the driver must remain engaged. Its current Drive Pilot system operates at Level 2 or Level 3, allowing hands-off driving for limited periods. While the future of fully autonomous vehicles looks promising, the industry is still in its early stages, and Mercedes-Benz is taking a measured and responsible path toward the future of mobility.
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