Mercedes-Benz has announced that its Drive Pilot system, the world's first certified SAE Level 3 automated driving system, will be available in the U.S. market starting from 2024. The system will allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in certain traffic situations while the car takes over the driving task.
Drive Pilot is a revolutionary feature that will debut on the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS and S-Class sedans, initially in California and Nevada. The system will use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and high-definition maps to monitor the road and traffic conditions and to control the vehicle's speed, steering, braking, and lane changes.
According to the SAE International standards, Level 3 automation means that the system can perform all aspects of the dynamic driving task (DDT) under specific conditions, such as highways with well-marked lanes and moderate or heavy traffic. Without human intervention, the system can also handle some critical situations, such as emergency braking or evasive maneuvers.
However, Level 3 automation also requires that the driver remains alert and ready to resume control when the system requests it or when the conditions exceed its capabilities. For example, suppose the traffic speed exceeds 40 mph. In that case, if the weather or lighting conditions deteriorate or the road becomes unmapped or unmarked, the system will prompt the driver to take over within a reasonable time.
To ensure that the driver is always aware of the system status and their role, the Drive Pilot will use various visual, auditory, and haptic signals to communicate with the driver. The system will also monitor the driver's attention level using an infrared camera inside the cabin. Suppose the driver fails to respond to a takeover request or becomes unresponsive. In that case, the system will activate a safe stop feature that will bring the vehicle to a halt on the shoulder or in the emergency lane and call for assistance.
Drive Pilot is designed to enhance safety and comfort for drivers, passengers, and other road users. By taking over the driving task in monotonous or stressful traffic situations, the system can reduce driver fatigue and frustration and allow them to engage in other activities, such as browsing the internet, watching videos, or playing games on the car's infotainment screen. The system can also improve traffic flow and efficiency by maintaining a smooth and consistent speed and distance from other vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz claims that Drive Pilot is based on rigorous engineering and safety standards and extensive testing and validation on public roads. The system has been approved by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for use in Germany and is awaiting certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other authorities for use in other markets.
