MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
33 videos
is reiterating its promise that it will have an autonomous car on sale by 2020. While most of the technology is technically possible today, six years of development on software and sensors will make it even better and less expensive.

“Autonomous driving is a big part of our strategy for an accident-free future. Technology wise, a lot is possible today, but there are three things that need to be improved first; better maps, more on-board computing power and legislation – not everything we can do is allowed yet,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Mercedes’ head of research and development.

The modern S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class 6Germany, 2014 > present39 versions
113 photos
and next C-ClassMercedes-Benz C-Class 5Germany, 2014 > present95 versions
79 photos
can already make slight steering corrections like when going around corners on the highway.

Mercedes has already shown and S-Class capable of driving autonomously at highway speeds, but this is because it developed specific, high quality maps between the two points. Since these maps are time consuming and expensive to develop, better sensors will likely have to make up the difference.

The next step is making the system even smarter. Mercedes says that it is developing tech to allow its cars to negotiate intersections on their own.

“We need to find out exactly what customers want – all the research so far suggests that autonomous driving in certain situations – such as sitting in traffic on a commute – will be highly desirable,” said Weber.

Mercedes is not the only player working on autonomous driving. NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
6957 photos
12 videos
also says its technology will be ready in 2020.

Source: Auto Express