Daimler Trucks has shifted gears in its ongoing effort to develop autonomous vehicles. By fitting its Highway Pilot self-driving system to a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck and steering it down a stretch of Autobahn 8 in Germany, the company has marked the first time an autonomous production semi has been tested out on public roads.
The system uses a short-range radar that assesses the vehicle’s surroundings up to 70m away in a forward-facing 130-degree arc. Another long-range unit scans out to 250m in an 18-degree arc. These work in conjunction with Active Cruise Control and Active Brake Assist, along with a stereo camera that identifies road markings and guides steering.
By allowing autonomous systems to shoulder some of the burden on long-haul journeys, Daimler says it can reduce driver fatigue and limit mistakes and distractions. Furthermore, when it comes to changing gears, accelerating and braking, the system is said to be more efficient, meaning less fuel and carbon emissions as a result.
Click here for source (Gizmag)
Photo: Daimler
