Mercedes EQS DRIVE PILOT im Stau: Der Vorreiter des autonomen Fahrens? | ADAC

Summary

In this video script, Andreas Rigling from ADAC tests the Drive Pilot, an advanced driver assistance system in the Mercedes EQS. The system allows for automated driving up to 60 km/h on the German Autobahn, but has limitations in construction zones, rain, and temperatures below 4°C. Rigling explores the system's capabilities, including its use of LiDAR and GPS for precise positioning, and its safety features like monitoring the driver's readiness to take over control. Despite some operational restrictions, the script highlights the progress towards autonomous driving, with the potential for future expansion to higher speeds without traffic constraints.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The script describes a test of the Drive Pilot, an automated driving system in the Mercedes EQs, conducted by Andreas Rigling from ADAC.
• 🔍 The Drive Pilot is designed for use in traffic jams and is only operational up to 60 km/h on German highways.
• 🛠️ The system offers partial driving support with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, but the driver cannot fully relinquish control.
• 🌟 A distinctive feature of the Drive Pilot is the activation of an automated mode, indicated by a change in display color and steering wheel lights, allowing the driver to legally check emails while driving.
• 👮‍♂️ In case of police intervention, the vehicle records who was driving, which can be verified at a Mercedes-Benz dealership to prove the driver was not in control.
• ⛔ The system has limitations, such as not working in construction zones, during rain, at temperatures below 4°C, or when pedestrians are detected in construction or breakdown areas.
• 🛰️ The vehicle is equipped with advanced sensors, including a LiDAR sensor, a high-precision GPS antenna, and a detailed map of the German highway network.
• 🚨 An acoustic sensor, rather than a rain sensor or wipers, detects road wetness, triggering the system to deactivate if necessary.
• 👀 The system monitors the driver's attentiveness through sensors that maintain eye contact, requiring the driver to be ready to take over if needed.
• 🚫 If the driver becomes inattentive, such as by watching a movie on a phone, the system issues an immediate takeover warning and deactivates if the driver does not respond.
• 🏁 The Drive Pilot represents a significant step towards autonomous driving, shifting responsibility to the vehicle manufacturer, but also highlights the current limitations and the need for further development.

Q & A

What is the name of the person testing the driver assistance system for ADAC?

The person testing the driver assistance system for ADAC is Andreas Rigling.

What is the name of the automated system being tested in the Mercedes EQs?

The automated system being tested in the Mercedes EQs is called the 'Drive Pilot' or 'Staupiloten'.

What is the maximum speed at which the Drive Pilot can operate on German highways?

The Drive Pilot can operate at speeds up to 60 km/h on German highways.

What does the 'A' button on the steering wheel indicate when it lights up?

The 'A' button on the steering wheel, when lit, indicates that the vehicle is ready to switch to the automated mode, allowing the driver to disengage from the driving task.

What signal does the steering wheel display when the vehicle is in the automated mode?

The steering wheel display shows a mix of green and blue lights when the vehicle is in the automated mode.

What can Andreas Rigling do legally while the vehicle is in the automated mode?

Andreas Rigling can legally check his emails on his mobile phone while the vehicle is in the automated mode.

What does the vehicle record in the event of a police check for distracted driving?

The vehicle records who was driving at any given time, which can be used to prove that the driver was not in control of the vehicle during an automated driving session.

What are some of the limitations of the Drive Pilot system?

The limitations of the Drive Pilot system include not functioning in construction zones, during rain or wet conditions, and temperatures below four degrees Celsius.

What additional sensor does the Drive Pilot have compared to typical driver assistance systems?

The Drive Pilot has an additional Lidar sensor, which is a laser sensor that scans the surroundings and allows for highly accurate positioning.

How does the system detect wetness on the road?

The system detects wetness on the road using an acoustic sensor, which is a microphone in the wheel well, rather than a rain sensor or windshield wipers.

How does the system ensure that the driver remains attentive and ready to take over control?

The system uses sensors to maintain eye contact with the driver. If the driver looks away or is not attentive, the system will recognize this and prompt the driver to take control immediately.

What does Andreas Rigling think about the Drive Pilot system in terms of its contribution to autonomous driving?

Andreas Rigling sees the Drive Pilot system as a step in the right direction towards autonomous driving, but criticizes its implementation due to too many restrictions and frequent system disengagements.

What is the future potential speed limit for the Drive Pilot system as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that it has been announced that the Drive Pilot system will soon be capable of operating at speeds up to 90 km/h without being limited to traffic jam situations.