Mercedes-Benz has just revealed an autonomous truck that the company vows will be on the road by 2025.
Called the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes-Benz says that this big rig can pilot itself at speeds of up to 52 mph thanks to Highway Pilot assistance system. The truck will use a combination of proximity cruise control, automatic braking, stability control and lane-keeping assistance systems to drive itself down the road.
Vehicle to vehicle communication systems are also on the docket for this truck, allowing it to communicate with other vehicles on the road. This will allow self-driving vehicles to say closer to each other, and optimize braking and acceleration to eliminate traffic.
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“Daimler Trucks is committed to maintain a dialogue with government officials and authorities, and with all other parties affected by this development,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses. “We believe the chances of success are good, because autonomous driving combines the ability to achieve business and technology objectives with the creation of benefits for society and the environment.”
This move will also change the trucking industry permanently. It will allow truck ‘drivers’ to take over much of the work that was once done in an office, and it will shorten up trips and allow more accurate scheduling.
Mercedes has already tested the truck successfully at highway speeds on the A14 autobahn near the city of Magdeburg.
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