Mercedes improves autonomous driving with the change of automatic track

To operate, Drive Pilot relies on data from on -board microphones, but also a Lidar sensor, in order to build a 3D model of its environment, and detect possible objects around.

Autonomous conduct: new Mercedes coup de tesla’s beard

The German manufacturer is the first to obtain the precious authorization of regulators of California Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Drive Pilot of Mercedes validated in California

The German giant Mercedes can bulge the torso, since the latter recently became the first manufacturer authorized to sell vehicles with automated level 3 driving functions. A automated driving which allows the driver not to look at the road, and which even allows him to remove his hands from the steering wheel.

What come to tickle the Tesla giant on its land, with a Dive Pilot system which was validated by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), provided, however, that the latter is used on certain very specific roads. Recall that Nevada had already judged the Drive Pilot of Mercedes in accordance with its legislation last March.

Autonomous level 3 driving

Concretely, once the drive pilot is activated, the driver (re) becomes a simple passenger, under certain restrictions however. The system is in particular operational on motorways or on tracks separated by central media, and cannot be activated in the event of rain, at night or under a temperature of 4 degrees.

To operate, Drive Pilot relies on data from on -board microphones, but also a Lidar sensor, in order to build a 3D model of its environment, and detect possible objects around.

On the driver’s side, the Drive Pilot also imposes some restrictions, starting with staying in his seat, his face being scrutinized by the on -board cameras. The latter is free to call, send messages or enjoy his favorite nomadic game, but the face must be constantly visible, under penalty of deactivation of the system.

Note that if the driver does not regain control early enough, a sound alert sounds, without forgetting vibrations at the level of the seat belt. Ultimately, the vehicle can trigger a safety stop, light the distress lights and unlock the doors.

Finally, and unlike a level 2 autonomy driving system, the Mercedes pilot drive makes the manufacturer criminally responsible in the event of an accident, the circumstances and other responsibilities being then determined by black boxes.

Mercedes improves autonomous driving with the change of automatic track

Mercedes earns points in the race for autonomous driving. Level 2 “Drivers Assistance” is now improved with the automatic track change function (called alt) soon available in Europe. A novelty already available in the United States and Canada on class S, class E, class C and the EQ range. The new feature of level 2 + is being adapted for European traffic and should already appear from the first deliveries of the new class.

Autonomous, but under certain conditions

You can imagine, it is not enough to buy a Mercedes and to sit in it so that it does all the work. Several conditions come into play to be able to use the Alt function. It will first be necessary to be on a highway (or at least a double path in the same direction) with physical separation with the reverse traffic direction, detectable ground markings, sufficient clearance, and a look between 80 and 140 km /h.

The vehicle must also be equipped with the MBUX navigation system, and circulate on a road with speed limitation. Knowing that we are talking about a level 2 +autonomous driving, the hands on the steering wheel are compulsory, otherwise we would talk about level 3. Anyway, no need to take care of doubled, the car will do it itself. But the prohibition on the nap by driving remains in force.