Benz unveils autonomous delivery 'pod' concept

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new concept for a pure-electric autonomous vehicle that comes with interchangeable bodies that can convert from a small bus to a van.

Building on Benz's Vision Van concept, the Vision Urbanetic, unveiled in Copenhagen overnight, uses a pure-electric platform that can cater to both commuters and businesses.

The thinking behind the concept, is the Vision Urbanetic cuts the number of vehicles needed reducing traffic flow.

Compatible for different bodies, during morning and early evening Mercedes says its new concept will operate as a ride-share vehicle as it can carry up to 12 passengers.

During the day, the Vision Urbanetic can switch to a delivery van a process that can be done manually or automatically.

Measuring in at 5.14 metres long, the cargo module that offers a 10 cubic metres of space, with a bed measuring 3.7 metres long, the small van can carry up to 10 full-size pallets.

Maximising space, Mercedes concept does without a traditional driver's cab as the fully autonomous vehicle does without any traditional steering wheel or pedals and does not need any human input to operate.

As well as harnessing the car maker's forthcoming driverless tech, the Vision Urbanetic also possesses artificial intelligence that can analyse the supply and demand chain in real time and react and learn to anticipate future needs of the companies it works with.

In bus mode, the driverless pod can identify crowds waiting for taxis, communicating with other buses to automatically hail them to the area.