German automaker Mercedes-Benz has announced the sales launch of its conditionally automated driving (SAE level 3) system ‘DRIVE PILOT’ in Germany, according to an official press release on 6 May 2022.
The system is available as an optional fitment priced at EUR5,000 for the S-Class and EUR7,430 (USD7,832.93) for the EQS starting 17 May 2022 (Driver Assistance Package Plus: EUR2,430 and DRIVE PILOT: EUR5,000). DRIVE PILOT allows customers to delegate driving responsibilities to the system in certain circumstances, such as severe traffic or congestion, on approved motorway stretches in Germany up to 60 km/h.
Following the activation of DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the vehicle's speed and distance while also steering it inside its lane. The route profile, events on the route, and traffic signs are all analyzed and taken into account. DRIVE PILOT also reacts to unforeseen traffic circumstances and handles them on its own, for example, by performing lane evasive maneuvers or braking maneuvers. Mercedes-Benz's automated driving system (SAE-Level 3) expands on the vehicle sensing technology of the Driving Assistance Package and adds additional sensors that the company believes are essential for safe operation.
These mostly comprise radar, lidar, and cameras, although ultrasound and moisture sensors can give useful information. Mercedes-Benz hopes to acquire regulatory series clearance for the two US states of California and Nevada by the end of the year, if the legal environment supports the system's functioning.
The company is ensuring that the new technology is implemented lawfully. Throughout the development process, engineers, attorneys, compliance managers, data protection officers, and ethical experts collaborated. Additional control methods serve as one foundation for automated driving.
Significance: The company said that due to its redundant system design, the vehicle remains maneuverable in the unlikely event of a malfunction, allowing DRIVE PILOT to complete a safe handover to the driver. If the driver does not comply with the takeover request within the specified ten seconds, for example, due to a medical emergency, DRIVE PILOT immediately begins an emergency stop that is safe for both the car and the following traffic. The Intelligent Drive Controller continually calculates the best trajectory for coming to a safe halt for this reason.
"Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to put a Level 3 system with international valid certification into series production. As a first step, we are offering this world-leading technology in Germany in the S-Class and the EQS. At the same time, we also want to receive certification in the US by the end of the year. Responsible handling of future technologies such as conditional automated driving is the key to acceptance among customers and in society. With DRIVE PILOT, we have developed an innovative technology that, thanks to redundancies with many sensors, enables safe operation and gives the valuable asset 'time' back to the customer,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, responsible for Marketing and Sales.
