Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot automated driver-assist system has been granted legal approval for use in California, marking a significant milestone as the first hands-off, eyes-off system accessible to the public within the state.
Earlier this year, Nevada gave its approval to Drive Pilot, and it is anticipated that more states will follow suit in the coming months and years. Originally introduced in Germany in 2022, the system has now expanded its reach to the United States.
Drive Pilot, classified as a Level 3 automated driving system according to the SAE scale, is specifically designed to operate in congested traffic conditions on pre-mapped sections of highways. However, its functionality is currently limited to speeds of up to 40 mph. Mercedes aims to enhance the system’s capabilities, gradually increasing the speed threshold to 80 mph.
Although a Level 3 system allows for hands-off, eyes-off operation in specific scenarios, it falls short of achieving full autonomy. The driver must remain prepared to take control at any given time, prompted by a warning. Level 4 is the initial stage where a car can operate independently for extended periods without driver intervention. Presently, all other publicly available systems are categorized as Level 2, demanding constant monitoring from the driver.
Drive Pilot relies on a variety of sensors positioned around the vehicle, including lidar, and can be engaged using buttons located on the steering wheel. These buttons illuminate when the system is accessible under suitable conditions. If the driver fails to resume control when required conditions are no longer met, the system will gradually decelerate the car, activate hazard lights, unlock the doors, and initiate the emergency call system.
Volvo is also developing a similar system called Ride Pilot, with plans to launch it initially in California before expanding to other markets. Details regarding the specific conditions in which Ride Pilot will function have not yet been disclosed by Volvo.
Honda has been offering a Level 3 system for highway driving in Japan since 2021, although its operational scope is significantly limited, particularly in terms of speed.
The 2024 S-Class sedan and 2024 EQS electric hatch will be the first models to incorporate Drive Pilot in the United States. These vehicles are expected to be available for purchase starting from the third quarter of the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about automated driver-assist system
Is the Level 3 automated driver-assist system by Mercedes-Benz available in California?
Yes, the Level 3 automated driver-assist system, known as Drive Pilot, has been approved for use in California. It is the first hands-off, eyes-off system accessible to the public in the state.
What are the limitations of the Drive Pilot system?
The Drive Pilot system is designed to function in dense traffic on pre-mapped stretches of highway but only at speeds of up to 40 mph. However, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase the system’s speed capabilities to 80 mph in the future.
How does the Drive Pilot system differ from true autonomous driving?
The Drive Pilot system falls under Level 3 on the SAE scale of self-driving capability. While it allows for hands-off, eyes-off operation in certain situations, it still requires the driver to be ready to take back control at any time. Level 4 is the first level where a car can handle itself for extended periods without intervention from a driver.
What happens if the driver fails to take control when prompted?
If the driver fails to take control of the vehicle once the required conditions are no longer met, the Drive Pilot system will gradually slow the car to a stop, activate hazard lights, unlock the doors, and activate its emergency call system.
Are there other similar systems available?
Volvo is developing a similar system called Ride Pilot, which is planned to be launched in California first before expanding to other markets. Honda also offers a Level 3 system in Japan, but its operational scope is limited, especially regarding speed.
Which Mercedes-Benz models will feature the Drive Pilot system in the United States?
The 2024 S-Class sedan and 2024 EQS electric hatch will be the first models in the United States to incorporate the Drive Pilot system. These vehicles are expected to be available for purchase starting from the third quarter of the year.
More about automated driver-assist system
- Mercedes-Benz Official Website
- SAE International Automated Driving Standards
- Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles – Autonomous Vehicles
- Volvo Official Website
- Honda Official Website
- California Department of Motor Vehicles – Autonomous Vehicles
3 comments
Wow, Mercedez-Benz’s Level 3 automated driver-assist system finally approved in California! Exciting news for hands-off, eyes-off driving in the state. Can’t wait to see more self-driving cars on the road!
Finally, Mercedez-Benz’s Drive Pilot system gets the green light in California. Hands-off, eyes-off driving becoming a reality! Can’t believe we’re moving towards more autonomous vehicles. Safety first, but still a bit skeptical about giving up full control.
Mercedez-Benz leading the pack with their Level 3 Drive Pilot system. Now we can experience some hands-off driving on those congested highways. Can’t wait to test it out at high speeds. The future is here, folks!