Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse INTELLIGENT DRIVE fährt autonom auf ...

For the trip along the Bertha Benz route, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with KIT
and HERE, a division of Nokia specialised in the production of digital maps and
location-specific services, to produce a 3D digital map of the route between
Mannheim and Pforzheim that was specifically adapted to the requirements of
an autonomous vehicle. In addition to the road layout, this map – which must
meet special requirements with regard to accuracy – includes information on the
number and direction of traffic lanes and traffic signs as well as the positions of
traffic lights. Digital maps of this kind are a key prerequisite for autonomous
driving. Mercedes-Benz and HERE will therefore continue their collaboration in
future with regard to the development of "intelligent" 3D digital maps for
autonomous vehicles.
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Route Pilot reacts to diverse traffic situations
The Route Pilot in the research vehicle is required to cope with a host of different
challenges both on country roads and in urban traffic: roundabouts, obstructions
in built-up areas with oncoming traffic, cyclists on the road, turn-off manoeuvres,
variously parked vehicles, red traffic lights, "right before left" priority junctions,
crossing pedestrians and trams.
The autonomously driving S-Class was monitored during the tests by specially
trained safety drivers who, whenever the system made an incorrect decision,
were able to intervene immediately and take over control of the vehicle. As real
traffic is unpredictable – which means that no driving situation is exactly the
same as an earlier one – a record was made each time it became necessary for
the safety driver to take over control of the vehicle. This information was then
evaluated by the development team, thus making it possible to extend the
vehicle's repertoire of manoeuvres. This advances the development of the
technology platform, enabling it to cope with more and more traffic situations.
The test drives along the 100-kilometre-long route deliver important information
for further development of the technology and the product. "For example, it
became apparent that the recognition of traffic light phases under different
lighting conditions and the correct pairing of individual traffic lights with traffic
lanes represents a major challenge," explains Prof. Ralf Herrtwich, head of driver
assistance and suspension systems at Daimler Group Research and Advance
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
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