Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its Future Truck 2025 Concept, an autonomous commercial rig that the company thinks will be the future of overland transport.
The truck was recently unveiled a the IAA Commercial Vehicles expo in Hannover Germany. Although a camouflaged concept was shown to media in July, the final form is quite a departure from the demo version. The newly unveiled form uses a massive grid of LED lighting across the grille and lower intakes in lieu of traditional headlights. The overall shape is futuristic and somewhat iPhone-like.
The interior is just as striking, with woodgrain slathered generously over organic surfacing. The overall effect is that of a comfortable lounge rather than a utilitarian truck cab.
The crux of the concept, however, is what Mercedes is calling the “Highway Pilot” system, an autopilot for the road. An array of cameras, sensors, radar allows the truck to cruise at speeds up to 55 mph on its own. When the Highway Pilot is switched on, the driver’s seat swivels 45 degrees away from the controls so the driver can, well, not drive. A large tablet is the main control unit for the truck, similar to the Tesla Model S’s center console touchscreen.
Much of the system consists of already available technology, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors, and lane-keeping technology. Another system uses topography maps to minimize fuel consumption. However, changing lanes and overtaking still requires human intervention.
Mercedes expects the truck to be fully roadworthy in 10 years’ time.
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