Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot is an advanced automated driving system that has received approval for use on select roads in Germany, Nevada, and California. Currently available on the S-Class and EQS electric sedan models, Drive Pilot is the world’s first SAE Level 3 system, allowing the vehicle to handle all driving tasks without human supervision under certain conditions. While the system is active, drivers can engage in other activities, such as checking emails or watching movies, at speeds below 40 mph. However, drivers must be ready to take over if the system prompts them to do so.
In addition to managing the driving tasks, Drive Pilot gives drivers the ability to interact with the vehicle’s infotainment system, which is typically disabled while the car is in motion. This allows users to access apps, enhancing the driving experience during times when the system is in control. Mercedes-Benz is working towards expanding the capabilities of Drive Pilot, with plans to increase its operational speed to 80 mph in the future, making it more suitable for use on highways.
The Drive Pilot system is equipped with a range of advanced sensors designed to handle various driving situations, including unexpected traffic conditions. The system can apply the vehicle’s brakes if necessary to avoid accidents. The vehicle’s sensor suite includes lidar, stereo cameras, and microphones, which help the car detect signals from emergency vehicles and monitor road conditions. A rain sensor located in the wheel well helps the system track wet road conditions, although Drive Pilot is not designed to function in severe weather.
The system is also built with redundancy in mind, featuring backup steering and braking systems, along with a redundant electrical system. This ensures that if a critical system fails, the vehicle can safely return control to the driver. The redundancy is crucial for maintaining safety and facilitating a smooth handover if the driver needs to take control. The system is specifically designed for conditionally automated driving, meaning it operates only in suitable environmental conditions, such as clear weather.
Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the availability of Drive Pilot to other regions, with Beijing being the next target for testing. The company aims to leverage its global expertise to ensure the system’s safety and reliability on Chinese roads. To support the development of Drive Pilot, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with NVIDIA and Luminar, integrating their hardware technologies to enhance the system’s capabilities. The next update will enable Drive Pilot to operate at speeds up to 56 mph when following another vehicle on highways.