Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out High-Tech Autonomous Bus

Mercedes-Benz is certainly making its position on driverless vehicles clear.

After displaying a number of car ideas showcasing the latest technology recently, the carmaker has gone one step further, offering a glimpse at an autonomous bus bearing a Mercedes-Benz badge.

The Future Bus, as it’s called, is powered by a 220-kW (299-hp) Mercedes-Benz OM 936 in-line six-cylinder engine, as highlighted in the video below. Top speed is 43 mph.

The bus also features a platform system called City Pilot that manages features like automated lane-keeping, longitudinal guidance, acceleration, and braking, all of which is built upon the autonomous Mercedes technology found in the Actros truck.

The City Pilot system uses 10 cameras as well as long and short range radar systems to keep the bus on the designated route.

Inside, the Future Bus concept appears to be geared more toward luxury autonomous mobility than passenger efficiency, given that it can only accommodate a few passengers. But the bus certainly looks like a cool high-tech alternative for commuters.

However, the Future Bus does beg the question: is Mercedes-Benz focusing too much attention on autonomous vehicles instead of the ones we actually get to drive?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [Gizmag]