Mercedes-Benz has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the world’s First Mercedes Benz automotive manufacturer to receive certification for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the United States. Nevada has officially validated the compliance of the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system with state regulations, marking a significant step forward in the realm of autonomous driving. This achievement distinguishes the innovative DRIVE PILOT system as the first and only SAE Level 3 system authorized for use in a standard-production vehicle on public freeways within the U.S. Meeting the stringent requirements outlined in Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, DRIVE PILOT empowers drivers to delegate the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under specific conditions. Mercedes-Benz is aiming to expand this technology to California later this year, having already submitted the necessary certification documents to state authorities. DRIVE PILOT will be offered in the U.S. market as an optional feature for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with initial deliveries to customers commencing in the latter half of 2023.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Development and Procurement, emphasizes the significance of this advancement: “In today’s fast-paced world, time is a highly valued commodity, and our strategy to create the most desirable cars globally centers on giving time back to our customers. DRIVE PILOT represents a major leap in realizing this objective, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in the critical domain of automated driving. DRIVE PILOT reaffirms our pioneering spirit, a core element of our DNA. Certification in Nevada signifies the beginning of its international rollout, heralding a new era in automotive technology.”
DRIVE PILOT is designed for use on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density. Under these conditions, the system can offer to assume control of the dynamic driving task at speeds up to 40 mph. Activation is intuitive, with control buttons conveniently located on the steering wheel rim, positioned for easy access above the thumb recesses on both the left and right sides. Once the system determines conditions are appropriate, availability is indicated on these control buttons. Upon driver activation, DRIVE PILOT seamlessly manages speed and distance, expertly maintaining the vehicle within its lane. It intelligently incorporates route profiles, on-route events, and traffic signs into its operation. Furthermore, the system is programmed to react to unexpected traffic scenarios and autonomously manage them, which includes executing evasive maneuvers within the lane or initiating braking when necessary.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA, underscores Mercedes-Benz’s enduring commitment to innovation: “From our inception, an unwavering dedication to innovation has been the guiding principle at Mercedes-Benz. It is with immense pride that we continue this legacy of leadership, celebrating this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to achieve certification for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market.”
Advanced Sensor Technology and Redundancy for Safety
Safety is paramount for Mercedes-Benz in the introduction of DRIVE PILOT, demanding the highest levels of operational reliability. DRIVE PILOT builds upon the comprehensive surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package, incorporating additional sensors deemed essential by Mercedes-Benz for safe conditionally automated driving. Notably, these additions include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated within the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with the optional DRIVE PILOT system also feature redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. This redundancy ensures vehicle maneuverability and safe handover to the driver even in the event of a system failure.
In critical situations where the driver fails to regain control despite escalating prompts and the expiration of a designated takeover period (for instance, due to a severe health emergency), DRIVE PILOT is engineered to bring the vehicle to a controlled standstill. During this process, the hazard warning lights are automatically activated. Once the vehicle is stationary, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is engaged, and the doors are unlocked to facilitate access for first responders.
High-Precision Positioning System for Accurate Navigation
DRIVE PILOT relies on a high-precision positioning system significantly more advanced than conventional GPS systems to accurately determine the Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s location. In conjunction with anonymized data gathered from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasound sensors, a digital HD map provides a detailed three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings. This map includes critical information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and noteworthy traffic events such as accidents or road work zones. This dynamic data is continuously updated via a backend connection.
This high-precision map surpasses standard navigation maps with its centimeter-level accuracy, compared to meter-level accuracy, and its intricate modeling of junctions and routes. The map data is stored in backend data centers and undergoes constant updates. Each vehicle also maintains an onboard copy of this map information, continuously comparing it with backend data and updating its local dataset as needed. This sophisticated system ensures robust and precise positioning, independent of factors like shadows or sensor obstruction.
A powerful chipset within the central control unit manages the complex software functions required for conditionally automated driving. Critical algorithms are processed redundantly within a state-of-the-art security architecture.
Unlocking New Possibilities During Conditionally Automated Journeys
During conditionally automated driving, DRIVE PILOT allows drivers to shift their focus away from the immediate driving task and engage in permitted secondary activities. When DRIVE PILOT is active, certain applications on the vehicle’s integrated central display, which are typically blocked while driving, become available for use. This offers a new dimension of in-car experience during highway journeys.
Having been initially launched in Germany in May 2022, the highly advanced Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system was the world’s first SAE Level 3 system to meet the rigorous legal requirements of UNR157. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) granted initial system approval based on UN-R157 regulations, paving the way for DRIVE PILOT’s international availability in regions where legislation permits.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service of all Mercedes-Benz products throughout the United States. MBUSA boasts the most diverse lineup in the luxury automotive segment, offering 15 model lines ranging from the versatile GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA also manages Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. For more comprehensive information about MBUSA and its product offerings, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
[1] SAE Level 3: In SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving, the automated driving function manages specific driving tasks. However, the driver remains essential and must be prepared to take over vehicle control at any moment when prompted by the system.
[2] The legality of specific secondary activities for the driver is determined by the road traffic regulations of the respective country.
[3] ECE contracting states (57), including EU member states, GB, Japan, Korea, and Australia.
