Mercedes-Benz Becomes First Level 3-Autonomy Carmaker In The US
Following an announcement at CES earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz has officially become the first company in the United States to receive certification from SAE International for a Level 3 autonomous driving system.
As per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), Level 3 self-driving capabilities involve the vehicle handling “all aspects of the driving,” though the driver still has to be attentive enough to take over control.
According to Engadget, this next level is a sizable step up from the Level 2 systems currently on the roads, including Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’, Ford’s ‘Blue Cruise’, and GM’s ‘Super Cruise’ artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
Current autonomous driving systems require drivers to continuously pay attention to the road, and keep their hands on or near the wheel at all times—as they’re still “responsible” for the vehicles while they’re moving.
Silver State meets Silver Star.
— Mercedes-Benz USAã…¤ (@MercedesBenzUSA) January 26, 2023
Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first automotive company to bring SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving to the U.S. and Nevada is the first state to confirm compliance of the system with state regulations. #MercedesBenz #DRIVEPILOT pic.twitter.com/tEDslnS7op
This feat means the automaker has surpassed frontrunner Tesla, confirming that its Drive Pilot automated driver assist system (ADAS) is compliant with the regulations outlined in governing bill Nevada Chapter 482A.
Upon activating Drive Pilot, the system will control the speed and distance of the car, guiding it forward within its lane. Its algorithm automatically calculates the real-time route, and more impressively, can perform evasive or braking maneuvers.
“It is a very proud moment for everyone to continue this leadership and celebrate this monumental achievement as the first automotive company to be certified for Level 3 conditionally automated driving in the US,” said CEO Dimitris Psillakis.
The 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan will be the first Mercedes vehicles to be equipped with Drive Pilot. These cars are currently in production, and are scheduled to hit the roads in the latter part of the year.
[via Engadget and Mercedes, cover image via Roberto Lusso | Dreamstime.com]
