Mercedes-Benz Future Bus
Equipped with autonomous technology
adapted for city use, the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus has been put to the test on
the streets of Amsterdam. Demonstrated on a section of the longest bus rapid
transit (BRT) line in Europe, the vehicle drove itself on a 20-km route at speeds of up to 70 km/h, during which it stopped at bus
stops, opened and closed the doors, communicated with traffic lights and
successfully avoided all obstacles nearby, from pedestrians to cars.
Daimler, which became the world's first
manufacturer to put a city bus through a real-life traffic situation, had a
driver on board to monitor the CityPilot system, which can be activated by
pressing a button and disengaged by a slight steer or touch of the accelerator
or brake pedal.
The system uses long- and short-range
radar, satellite-controlled GPS navigation, large cameras, and sensors that
mostly came from the Future Truck 2025 Concept. Moreover, it can also
communicate via Wi-Fi with the route infrastructure to receive info on traffic
light status, taking advantage this way of the green wave.
"The system is a further
development of Highway Pilot, especially for big cities. It allows us to drive
partially autonomously on specially marked bus lanes. This makes public
transport safer, more efficient and more productive. More people can travel
from A to B quickly, punctually and in comfort. To the benefit of all: bus
operators, bus drivers and passengers", said Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of
the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Daimler Trucks and Buses.
Daimler's technology won't put bus
drivers out of work, as they will still grab the wheel occasionally, when the
route is not suitable for automated driving. In order for the brand's Future
Bus to make transition from its current concept form to production, it will
require separate lanes within BRT lines to be constructed.
