Automatic Lane Change Function Brings Autonomous Driving Closer

Car manufacturer Mercedes is to roll out vehicles with an ‘Automatic Lane Change’ function as autonomous driving takes a step closer to becoming a reality.

The latest technological addition to roadworthy vehicles that can be purchased by the public, Mercedes cars will now be able to initiate a lane change by themselves and overtake completely automatically.

This is providing the conditions are right – lane markings must be detectable and sufficient space available at the time of the manoeuvre – and the road it is happening on has a speed limit. The vehicle must also be equipped with specialist navigation technology.

The action still requires the responsibility of the driver, meaning they must keep their hands on the steering wheel.

Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, said: “For years, Mercedes-Benz has set standards in the fields of automated driving and driver-assistance programs.

“Now, with DRIVE PILOT, we are offering the first vehicles with internationally certified SAE-Level 3 highly automated driving.

“We are offering a more comfortable driving experience with the Automatic Lane Change driver-assist system.”

There are five levels of automation in driving, ranging from no automation, and the driver conducting all driving tasks, through to five, whereby zero human attention or interaction is required.

Some semi-automated Mercedes cars are already on sale in Germany, with plans to branch out into the rest of Europe and the U.S.

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