Mercedes' Self-driving Technology Might Have Arrived Late, But Has One Thing That Is Superior To Tesla

When it comes to self-driving technology, Tesla is probably the name that appears the most in the press. As of April 2019, all Tesla models leaving the factory have been equipped with the Autopilot driving assistance system; Today, Tesla also offers a more advanced driver assistance package called Full Self-Driving.

It is hard to deny that Tesla is at the forefront of popularizing autonomous driving assist technology to a wide range of consumers.

While similar technologies of other manufacturers only allow users to use on highways that are clearly marked, with the Full Self-Driving automatic driving technology package, Tesla has allowed users use in the inner city road, which has much more complicated traffic.

Despite advances that are considered to be technologically ahead, Tesla's cars still regularly cause unnecessary accidents, sometimes considered unsafe to use.

Meanwhile, safety is another point that Mercedes seems to be very interested in when developing its Drive Pilot autonomous driving technology.

According to the latest information from the German manufacturer, models equipped with Mercedes' automatic driving technology will have additional backup options when the main sensors of the vehicle fail, helping to "control the vehicle safely." safe in any potentially dangerous situation".

Mercedes says its models have a lot of "redundant" equipment in the braking system, steering system, power supply and some sensors. The German automaker emphasizes the sensor system that "works together". If Tesla only uses the Camera to "see", Mercedes uses a lot of sensors, including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radio wave sensors, LiDAR.

There is also a humidity sensor, a recording mic, which helps the Mercedes autopilot system better assess the environment regardless of weather conditions. In total, Mercedes has about 30 sensors that are always active, ensuring safety if something goes wrong.

Not only supporting each other, Mercedes' sensors also compensate for each other's weaknesses. Markus Schafer, Mercedes' Technical Director, explains why the Drive Pilot autonomous driving system is so packed with technology:

"We understand that overfitting is the right approach to driving technology. automatic level 3 or higher. Speaking of sensors, using a combination of Lidar, Radar and camera is indispensable. We can compensate for one sensor's weakness with another sensor depending on the situation. using one type of sensor would not meet Mercedes' high safety standards."

In fact, it will not be until mid-May 2021 that the conditional self-driving technology Drive Pilot will be ready for use on Mercedes S-Class and EQS models in Europe; It is also from that time that Mercedes is recognized as the first car company in the world to have Level 3 self-driving technology.

An interesting thing worth mentioning is that Mercedes is even equipped with Intelligent Park Pilot technology. - Level 4 intelligent self-driving technology without driver.

Going back to Drive Pilot, this Level 3 conditional self-driving technology has enough power to control speed, distance from fellow traffic, and lane keeping.

When operating conditions are met (favorable weather, traveling on highways that Mercedes has mapped in advance), Drive Pilot can replace the role of the driver, operating on its own at a maximum speed of 60km. /H.

In the event of a technical failure, Drive Pilot can safely recognize and hand over the responsibility of driving to the driver.

If the driver is unable to drive due to health reasons, the vehicle will automatically make an emergency stop "without endangering the safety of traffic moving behind".