DaimlerHighway Pilot helps drivers regulate speed, deploy brakes, and avoid collisions on highwaysDaimler
In May 2015, the Freightliner Inspiration Truck became the world’s first autonomous semi truck to be granted a license for road use. The autopiloted vehicle, manufactured by the German company Daimler Trucks, received the authorization from the U.S. state of Nevada. The truck may drive itself, but that doesn’t mean it does not need a driver. Someone must remain at the wheel to enable or disable the autopilot system – called the Highway Pilot – and to perform other functions like starting the engine, parking, or changing lanes. The autonomous system is equipped with a sophisticated stereo camera, not to mention radar systems with lane stability and collision avoidance features. The Highway Pilot regulates speed, activates the brakes, and steers the truck. The truck obeys the posted speed limits, adjusts clearances to be maintained from the vehicle ahead, and has a stop-and-go function in place for use during rush hour. The Highway Pilot system does not autonomously initiate maneuvers to pass other vehicles, however. The driver must handle those situations. The same applies to leaving the highway or changing lanes.
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