LiDAR Sensor and Redundant Systems

DRIVE PILOT builds on the surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package with additional sensors. These include LiDAR, as well as a camera in the rear window and microphones for detecting emergency vehicles, as well as a road wetness sensor in the wheel well. A vehicle equipped with the optional DRIVE PILOT system also has redundant steering and braking actuators and a redundant on-board electrical system, so that it remains maneuverable even if one of these systems fails and a safe handover to the driver can be ensured.

If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting and expiration of the takeover time, the system brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner while engaging the hazard warning lights. Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, the Mercedes Benz emergency call system is activated and the doors are unlocked to make the interior accessible for first responders.

Positioning System

The exact location of a Mercedes Benz equipped with DRIVE PILOT is determined using a high-precision positioning system that is more powerful than conventional GPS systems. In addition to what’s claimed to be “anonymized data” amassed by LiDAR, camera, radar and ultrasound sensors, a digital HD map provides a three-dimensional image of the road and the surroundings with information on road geometry, route characteristics, traffic signs and traffic accidents or road construction. This is made available and updated via a back-end connection.