Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025: The truck that will drive itself

Mercedes-Benz believes the technology that enables vehicles to drive themselves will be pioneered by trucks rather than cars, and they could be on the road within 10 years.

“Trucks mostly use freeways, which is where this technology is already well developed and is most reliable, so it makes sense they can lead the way,” said Mercedes-Benz technology expert Ralf Lamberti during a demonstration of automated vehicle technology in Silicon Valley yesterday.

“Trucks are operated by big fleets, they have trained drivers, and there can be a massive fuel economy benefits which can save them thousands of dollars each year,” he said.
The truck of the future

The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 released earlier this year has radar and camera systems that detect lane markings, other vehicles and red and green traffic lights.

When the system is operating, the driver does not need to touch the steering wheel, the brakes or the accelerator pedal.

The technology also uses GPS maps to determine the speed limit and to detect when a truck is approaching a hill — and then chooses the best gear for fuel-efficiency.

But the automated truck will never put drivers out of business because by law there must always be a driver behind the wheel.

“It’s a bit like autopilot on a plane; the plane can fly itself but of course the pilot must be there to handle any situation. So it will be the same with cars and trucks,” said Mr Lamberti.

Many luxury cars today already have radar cruise control systems that keep a distance from the vehicle ahead and brake automatically when the car in front comes to a stop.

When the technology is applied to trucks, however, Mercedes-Benz believes it will primarily benefit long haul drivers who use major highways between Australia’s capital cities, by making them less fatigued and using less fuel.

[Source]