Mercedes-Benz announced that its 'Drive Pilot' self-driving service, originally announced several years ago, has officially earned level 3 SAE certification for its self-driving capabilities. This marks the first consumer vehicles in the United States to receive verified level 3 self-driving certification.
The level 3 certification means that the person in the driver's seat is technically not driving the car while the Drive Pilot system is engaged. This means the driver is not expected to be constantly monitoring, supervising, and controlling the car while this system is engaged. However, level 3 certification states that the driver must be ready to assume control of the vehicle when the feature requests such.
This is a massive upgrade from SAE Level 2 certification which states that, even while sitting in the driver's seat with a self-driving feature enabled, the driver is still technically driving the vehicle as per usual, and is expected to supervise, monitor, and ensure the safety of the vehicle. The next certification to be pursued is level 4, or "Full self-driving," which requires that the feature never necessitates manual driver input.
Self Driving-Certified Cars
Mercedes-Benz Announced the First Level 3 Self-Driving Car in USA
Trend Themes
1. Level 3 Self-driving Certification - Investment in developing and utilizing level 3 self-driving technology by car manufacturers can pave the way for more advanced self-driving features and, ultimately, fully autonomous cars.
2. Drive Pilot Self-driving System - The development and implementation of the Drive Pilot self-driving system in the United States can provide a new and convenient means of transportation for consumers in the future.
3. SAE Certification Standards - The continued advancement of SAE certification standards can promote safer and more reliable self-driving technology in the automotive industry.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - The automotive industry can benefit greatly from the growing demand for self-driving car technology and its potential as a major disruptive innovation.
2. Technology Industry - The technology industry can play a critical role in the development and innovation of self-driving technology, particularly in the areas of software and data analytics.
3. Transportation Industry - The transportation industry can leverage self-driving car technology to disrupt traditional transportation models and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.