Bosch and Mercedes-Benz have their Level 4 autonomous parking system approved for commercial use, letting some owners walk away from their vehicles and have the car look for a parking spot in a specific Stuttgart Airport car park, as per CarExpert.
The world’s first approval for customer use of our highly automated and driverless parking function, developed together with our technology partner Bosch, shows that innovation leadership and ‘Made in Germany’ go hand in hand. Following the market launch of our DRIVE PILOT Level 3 system, we will soon be offering a Level 4 system for parking with our INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT – all of that this year. We really are showing our customers how technology can make life easier and give back precious time.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
The approval currently only extends to the P6 Stuttgart Airport car park P6. The self-parking system is compatible with some S-Class and EQS models, which means only a small number of people would initially be able to enjoy the technology.
It is the first time a system of its kind is approved for commercial use instead of on a trial basis.
Self-parking system
Using the Mercedes Me app, drivers could book a space at the car park online. When they get to the car park, they can leave their car in an assigned drop-off zone and walk away.
And when a network of sensors confirms the coast is clear, the car goes to a predetermined spot and places itself. The process depends on the car’s autonomous driving technology and communicates with those external sensors to develop a picture of what is happening around it in the parking space.
This way, vehicles can even drive themselves up and down ramps to move between stories (sic) in the parking garage. If the infrastructure sensors detect an obstacle, the vehicle brakes and safely comes to a complete stop. Only once the route is clear does it continue on its way.
Mercedes-Benz
At the other end of the journey, drivers could call their vehicle with the Mercedes Me app and wait in the same drop-off area.
Drive Pilot granted approval
The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KPA) officially approved Mercedes-Benz’s LiDAR-based ‘Drive Pilot, ‘although below 60 km/h of speed.
In addition, the system must warn the driver within a specific time if they need to take over driving. Initially, the manufacturer offers its Drive Pilot system on 13,191 km of German motorways.
However, Drive Pilot is also initially legally permitted up to 60 km/h speeds and could be activated and controlled by the buttons on the steering wheel.
Level 3 autonomous driving
On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz pushes to lay out level 3 autonomous driving.
Level 3 autonomous driving means a driver could take their hands off the steering wheel in some situations, such as traffic jams and highways, and take their eyes off the road.
