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Mercedes to Test Self-Driving Vans in Germany
The German government has given Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit permission to test its next-generation autonomous vehicle technology on public roads in Stuttgart.
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The German government has given Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit permission to test its next-generation autonomous vehicle technology on public roads in Stuttgart.
Based on the European-model V-Class midsize van, the test vehicles will be equipped with the Daimler Autonomous Vehicle Operating System (DAVOS), which includes advanced software, deep-learning capability and a graphic processor. The vehicles also will be fitted with next-generation lidar sensors.
Mercedes says the vehicles will be capable of operating entirely on their own, including being summoned to pick up passengers. But during the tests two specially trained backup drivers will ride along in each vehicle.
The carmaker plans to use the tests to evaluate and fine-tune DAVOS for future vehicles. Mercedes aims to launch a production self-driving car once the technology is validated and the necessary regulations are adopted.
Mercedes received approval to test its first-generation autonomous technology in Germany in 2011. The carmaker began testing that system in 2013.
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