Mercedes-Benz, always at the forefront of technology in the automotive industry, is once again in the news in the exciting world of autonomous driving. Although its Drive Pilot driving system already allowed driving to be delegated to the car in certain circumstances, recent news has brought the issue back to the table: Mercedes hopes to increase the maximum speed of its level 3 autonomous driving system to 95 km/h.
Until now, Drive Pilot allowed autonomous driving at a maximum speed of 60 km/h, and only on motorways with separation barriers and dense traffic. These limitations, although understandable from a safety point of view, considerably restricted the real usefulness of the system. Who hasn't wanted to let go of the wheel in a slow-speed traffic jam? However, at 60 km/h most traffic jams have already dissolved and traffic flows relatively normally.
With this speed increase to 95 km/h, Mercedes is taking a significant step towards making Level 3 autonomous driving a tangible and useful reality for the driver. Imagine a typical scenario: rush hour on a motorway with moderate traffic, intermittent traffic jams that force you to brake and restart constantly... In this context, being able to activate a system that takes over driving, maintaining a safe distance, braking and accelerating according to the circumstances, and even overtaking, would be a turning point in the driving experience.
However, this advance also poses new challenges. Level 3 autonomy, while allowing the driver to take control of the vehicle away in certain situations, requires that they be prepared to take back control of the vehicle at any time. And this is the crux of the matter: how do we ensure a safe and efficient transition if the driver is distracted, absorbed in a film or answering emails?
At speeds approaching 100 km/h, reaction time is drastically reduced and any human error can have fatal consequences. It is crucial that Mercedes, and any other manufacturer aspiring to implement level 3 systems, develop robust mechanisms that guarantee the driver's attention and ability to respond to an unforeseen event.
The German authorities have the final say in this matter. If they give the green light to the increase in speed, an important precedent will be set in the industry and the arrival of autonomous driving on our roads will be accelerated.
Does this mean that full autonomous driving is just around the corner? Not necessarily. While level 3 represents a considerable advance, it is still a long way from full autonomy. The driver is still ultimately responsible for the vehicle and their intervention is required in complex or unforeseen situations. Level 4 and 5 autonomous driving, where the vehicle is capable of driving without human intervention in virtually any circumstance, still presents significant technical and legal challenges that will require years of development and research.
Despite the unknowns, the future looks exciting. Mercedes, with its determined commitment to innovation and its commitment to safety, is positioning itself as a key player in the transformation of mobility. The increase in speed of Drive Pilot is just one more step on this path, a step that brings us a little closer to a future where cars will drive themselves, freeing humans from the task of driving and allowing them to enjoy the journey in a completely new way.
And what do you think? Do you think we are ready to hand over control to machines? Your comments are welcome.
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