Orders open for self-steering Mercedes-Benz Actros
Daimler says the new self-steering Actros is Australia’s first commercially available truck with SAE Level 2 automationMercedes-Benz Trucks Australia has announced its Actros can now be optionally equipped with Active Drive Assist technology that helps the truck steer itself. The manufacturer says the milestone model is the first commercially available truck in Australia to feature SAE Level 2 partially automated driving capability.
Proactive, not reactive
Using cameras the monitor lane markings, the system actively steers the truck via its electro-hydraulic steering system to keep it centred within its lane and prevent it drifting towards the outside of its lane.
It’s proactive, rather than the reactive nature of dynamic lane keeping systems, but Mercedes-Benz Trucks is quick to stress the technology is no replacement for an attentive driver. On the contrary, the driver must still have both hands on the wheel and be ready to take over from the system if required.
The driver can overrule the system if desired or deactivate it entirely.
The system utilises an electric motor on the steering box to provide steering input in addition to the standard hydraulic power steering.
Related reading:
First series-produced eActros hits the road
M-B to launch Level 2 automation at BTS
New Actros in dealerships now
Thorough validation
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia says the technology is being introduced following a 1.2 million test kilometre validation program that saw it pressed into service in 20 trucks – 15 here in Australia, and a further five in New Zealand.
According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia Pacific Director, Andrew Assimo, the new Active Drive Assist technology will quickly win drivers over once they have used it for themselves.
“Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Level 2 automation makes life easier for drivers and boosts safety by helping reduce fatigue,” Mr Assimo says.
“The feedback from our validation program has been overwhelmingly positive from drivers who can really appreciate the benefits of the system after experiencing it first-hand.”
However, the technology is intended to enhance the driving experience, not take away control from the drivers themselves.
“This is a driver assistance feature, not a driver replacement feature,” he says.
“Mercedes-Benz is always advancing new technology to boost safety, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and improve the experience of the driver, which is why we have introduced Active Drive Assist as an optional feature.”
Tech-savvy Actros
The fresh tech builds on an already impressive technology platform within the Actros, which spans standard safety features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning, plus optional features like the digital MirrorCam (pictured above).
High resolution Multimedia Cockpit tablet screens and Predictive Powertrain Control, which utilizes GPS and topographic data to optimise gearshifts and maximise coasting to enhance fuel efficiency, are also available on the Mercedes-Benz Actros.
Check back on Trucksales soon for our first driving impression of a Mercedes-Benz Actros equipped with Active Drive Assist.
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