Mercedes-Benz deploys autonomous taxis for pilot-testing

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, Daimler AG, announced that they have begun deploying prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz S Class self-driving taxi. Just a few weeks ago, Daimler’s Chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz Olla Källenius shared his doubts regarding the company’s efforts in the development of autonomous vehicles.

In an interview, he expressed concern about their direction by saying that they suffered a “reality check.” However, despite his words, insider reports have affirmed that the company will continue its testing efforts. According to the source, 30 Mercedes-Benz S Class taxi prototypes were deployed in San Jose, California.

"We have not put the project on ice," the source said. "We are looking at where we can improve efficiency and gain synergies so we don't unnecessarily duplicate or triplicate our development work. This pilot program is about capturing the user experience.”

Similar to most autonomous vehicles also currently under tests, the Mercedes-Benz S Class sedans are equipped with sensor arrays and long-distance, laser-scanning lidar. While the vehicles are capable of piloting themselves, a human test driver is still present behind the wheel at all times. Daimler has held a permit to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in California for awhile now. According to the source, testing will go on for several months.

Daimler first revealed their plans to test autonomous vehicles in November 2018, selecting San Jose as its designated city for testing their fleets. The population in the city is expected to grow by 40 percent in the coming two decades and they intend to prepare for a future where autonomous cars are part of daily life.

Daimler along with their partner Bosch signed a memorandum with the city of San Jose to finalize the plans and aimed to get their vehicles on the streets by the second half of 2019. There is speculation that Källenius’s apprehensions regarding how the project was being handled may have pushed the plans to be postponed so late into the year.

However, their rep has stressed that the goal of Daimler and Bosch’s self-driving taxi tests is to collect data from both the vehicles themselves and customers. According to the two companies, they aim to understand how to convince customers to become interested in using the service.

“This pilot program is about capturing the user experience,” the rep added.

While Daimler will continue pursuing self-driving taxis, they have mentioned that there are more financial opportunities in autonomous driving applications for heavy trucks hauling goods.

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