Mercedes-Benz has officially become the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to introduce SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the United States. Nevada has certified the groundbreaking DRIVE PILOT system, confirming its compliance with state regulations and paving the way for a new era of driving. This landmark achievement distinguishes Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT as the first and only SAE Level 3 system authorized for use on public freeways in a standard-production vehicle within the U.S. market. Meeting the stringent requirements of Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, DRIVE PILOT empowers drivers to delegate the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under specific conditions. Mercedes-Benz aims to extend this pioneering technology to California later this year, having already submitted certification documents to state authorities. The DRIVE PILOT system will be available in the U.S. as an optional feature for the 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 customer-centric approach behind this innovation: “In today’s fast-paced world, time is an invaluable asset, and our strategy to create the most desirable cars in the world centers around giving time back to our customers. DRIVE PILOT represents a significant leap forward in realizing this vision, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in the critical domain of automated driving. This certification in Nevada marks the beginning of DRIVE PILOT’s global deployment and heralds a new age in automotive technology, reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering spirit deeply embedded in our DNA.”
DRIVE PILOT is engineered for use on suitable freeway sections experiencing high traffic density. When activated, typically at speeds up to 40 mph, the system offers to assume control of the dynamic driving task. Activation is initiated via control buttons seamlessly integrated into the steering wheel rim, positioned conveniently above the thumb rests on both sides. Once engaged, DRIVE PILOT autonomously manages the vehicle’s speed and distance, ensuring smooth lane-keeping. The system intelligently incorporates route profiles, on-route events, and traffic signs into its driving behavior. Moreover, DRIVE PILOT is designed to proactively respond to unexpected traffic scenarios, employing autonomous maneuvers such as evasive steering within the lane or initiating braking as necessary.
Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA, proudly acknowledges this milestone: “Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering dedication to innovation has been our guiding principle since the company’s inception. It is with immense pride that we continue this legacy of leadership and celebrate this momentous achievement as the first automotive company to receive certification for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the U.S. market. This is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and technological advancement at Mercedes-Benz.”
Advanced Technology and Redundant Safety Systems
Safety is paramount for Mercedes-Benz in the deployment of DRIVE PILOT, necessitating stringent operational reliability standards. DRIVE PILOT builds upon the foundation of the Driving Assistance Package’s surround sensors and incorporates additional sensor technologies deemed crucial for safe conditionally automated driving. These advanced components include LiDAR, a rear window camera, microphones designed to detect emergency vehicle sirens, and a road wetness sensor integrated within the wheel well. Vehicles equipped with the optional DRIVE PILOT system further benefit from redundant steering and braking actuators, along with a redundant on-board electrical system. These redundancies ensure vehicle maneuverability and facilitate a safe handover back to the driver even in the event of a system malfunction.
In critical situations where the driver fails to regain control despite escalating prompts and the expiration of a designated takeover period – potentially due to a severe health emergency – DRIVE PILOT is programmed to execute a controlled emergency stop. The system decelerates the vehicle to a complete standstill while simultaneously activating the hazard warning lights. Upon stopping, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system is automatically engaged, and the doors are unlocked to provide immediate access for first responders.
High-Precision Positioning and Digital HD Mapping
DRIVE PILOT’s precise location awareness is achieved through a high-fidelity positioning system, significantly more advanced than conventional GPS technologies. This system leverages anonymized data streams from LiDAR, cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Complementing this sensor data is a digital HD map providing a three-dimensional representation of the road and its surroundings. This detailed map includes information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs, and real-time traffic events such as accidents or road work zones. The HD map data is continuously updated via a backend connection.
This high-precision map distinguishes itself from standard navigation maps through its enhanced accuracy, operating within the centimeter range as opposed to meters, and its detailed modeling of junctions and routes. Map data is stored in backend data centers and undergoes constant updates. Each DRIVE PILOT-equipped vehicle also maintains an onboard copy of this map information, continuously cross-referencing it with backend data and updating its local dataset as needed. This comprehensive approach ensures robust and accurate positioning, independent of external factors like shadows or sensor obstruction. A high-performance chipset within the central control unit powers the sophisticated software functions essential for conditionally automated driving, with critical algorithms executed redundantly within a state-of-the-art security architecture.
Conditionally Automated Driving Benefits
During conditionally automated driving sessions, DRIVE PILOT allows drivers to temporarily disengage from the immediate demands of driving and engage in permitted secondary activities. When DRIVE PILOT is active, certain applications on the vehicle’s central display, typically restricted during driving, become available. Initially launched in Germany in May 2022, the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system achieved global recognition as the first SAE Level 3 system to meet the rigorous legal standards 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 deployment in jurisdictions where legislation permits. Mercedes-Benz, with DRIVE PILOT, is not just introducing a feature; they are pioneering a future where driving is safer, more convenient, and more integrated with the digital lives of their customers.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the sales, marketing, and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-Benz Vans products in the United States. MBUSA offers a diverse range of luxury vehicles, from SUVs to sedans and high-performance AMG models. More information about MBUSA and its products is available at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
Note:
- SAE Level 3 automation implies the vehicle manages driving tasks under specific conditions, but driver readiness to intervene is still required.
- Legally permissible secondary activities during DRIVE PILOT operation are subject to national road traffic regulations.
- ECE contracting states (57) include EU member states, GB, Japan, Korea, and Australia.
