How Mercedes-Benz Managed to Beat Tesla in Level 3 Self-Driving

The technological race in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry is intensifying, with both established automotive giants and tech companies like Tesla vying for supremacy. Despite Tesla's massive head start and significant investments, Mercedes-Benz has achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first to bring Level 3 autonomous driving to market. This feat challenges the notion that Tesla's leadership in the space is unassailable.

Introduction to Mercedes-Benz's Level 3 Autonomy

Mercedes-Benz has recently made headlines by achieving Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) Level 3 autonomy in its fleet of vehicles, including the 2023 EQS sedan. The Level 3 autonomy system, known as Drive Pilot, allows for automated driving in certain conditions, specifically in highway traffic up to 40 miles per hour (mph).

The journey of automating driving tasks to a level where the driver can be distracted has been a long and complex one. In Level 3, the vehicle handles all aspects of driving—accelerating, braking, and steering—up to a speed limit of 40 mph. Unlike Level 2, where the driver must be ready to take control at any moment, Level 3 increasingly shifts responsibility to the vehicle, allowing limited disengagement from the road.

Understanding the SAE Levels of Automation

A quick guide to understanding the various levels of SAE autonomy:

Level 2: Sensory Automation

In Level 2, the vehicle can perform specific tasks like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. However, the driver is required to stay alert and ready to take control at any moment. This level does not allow for significant disengagement from the driving task.

Level 3: Conditional Automation

Level 3 is the first step that allows for limited disengagement. The vehicle can handle all aspects of driving, but the driver must still be prepared to take control as needed, especially in unexpected situations. This level significantly reduces the driver's burden, allowing for more extensive engagement in non-driving tasks.

Level 4: High Automation

Level 4 offers high levels of automation, but only within specific conditions. In these systems, the vehicle can handle all driving tasks, and the driver can engage in other activities, but the vehicle must return control to the driver when it detects an unsuitable situation.

Level 5: Full Automation

Level 5 represents a fully autonomous vehicle with no human intervention required. While still in the future, this level would mean that the car can take passengers from point A to point B without any driver involvement.

Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot System

Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot system is a comprehensive and meticulously developed solution. The system has been rigorously tested and integrated into select models, specifically the EQS sedan. It operates under specific conditions on certain highways in California and Nevada, with full approval having been granted in Germany for over a year.

In California, where the system has been initially rolled out, the Drive Pilot is active in traffic jams, with speed limits up to 40 mph. The system requires favorable road conditions with clear markings, good weather, and active high-definition maps. The system's safety features are robust, with redundant power systems and multiple sensor suites to ensure reliability and safety.

Technological Safety Nets and Redundancy

The Drive Pilot system includes a range of safety features and redundancy measures to ensure reliability. These measures include:

Back-up Motors and Computers: If the primary system fails, backup systems are ready to take over. Redundant Electrical Systems: There is a second electrical system in place to ensure continued operation. Additional Sensors: LIDAR, radar, and stereo camera systems work in tandem to provide a comprehensive view of the surrounding environment. Environmental Sensors: A wheel-mounted microphone can detect water spray and determine road conditions, while other sensors monitor weather and road conditions. Adaptive Handling: The system can recognize lane-splitting motorcycles and adjust accordingly, ensuring safe passage.

Practical Use Case of the Drive Pilot

The EQS sedan equipped with Drive Pilot can navigate dense traffic scenarios with precision. The system's advanced navigation and real-time data processing allow it to maintain proper speed, follow lane markings, and adjust to changes in traffic conditions. The dashboard-mounted cameras and heads-up display provide a clear indication of the vehicle's status and surroundings.

With the activation of the Drive Pilot system, the driver can engage in non-driving tasks such as browsing media content. YouTube and other apps are unlocked, providing a more engaging and comfortable driving experience.

Challenges Faced by Tesla and Future Implications

While Tesla has made significant strides in autonomous driving with its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) suite, the lack of formal approval for Level 3 in California, coupled with frequent reports of technical glitches and safety issues, puts them behind in the regulatory approval process. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has faced skepticism and criticism regarding the safety and reliability of FSD.

The success of Mercedes-Benz in achieving Level 3 autonomy highlights the importance of robust testing, regulatory compliance, and safety features in the development of autonomous vehicle technology. As the industry progresses to higher levels of autonomy, the integration of advanced safety features and stringent testing will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring public trust and adoption.

Conclusion

The achievement of Level 3 autonomy by Mercedes-Benz marks a significant milestone in the race to bring fully autonomous vehicles to market. While Tesla's FSD suite has garnered attention, the formal approval in California and the comprehensive safety measures implemented by Mercedes-Benz underscore the importance of rigorous testing and regulatory compliance.

As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how each automaker adapts to the regulatory landscape and technological challenges. The path to full autonomous driving is complex, but the advancements made by Mercedes-Benz and others will undoubtedly shape the future of transportation.