Daimler and HERE Technologies are collaborating to equip all future Mercedes-Benz models with HERE’s HD Live Map. This will become an integral part of Daimler’s autonomous driving technology. Through this integration, both companies are paving the way for future generations of highly automated and autonomous Mercedes‑Benz vehicles.
HERE’s cloud-based HD Live Map allows automated vehicles to traverse around corners and provides essential information that enables the vehicles to track exactly where they are, what surrounds them and lies ahead. Likewise, this helps to inform autonomous vehicles of how they should behave in various scenarios.
Additionally, HERE’s HD Live Map are built to be “self-healing”, therefore they are able to reflect any dynamic changes in the road environment. The map update itself accordingly in near real-time. Due to this, vehicles using the maps are able to adjust and adapt to the changing road conditions –proving very useful for autonomous vehicles. For example, the vehicles can look to adjust their speed or switch lanes having anticipated an upcoming lane closure.
Some of Daimler’s existing models, such as the current E-, S‑Class models and the new A‑Class are already using HERE’s maps. Therefore, extending HERE’s maps to all models is a logical step for Daimler.
“The map of the future is one that’s self-healing – constantly updating to mirror what is happening across the road network,” explains Ralf Herrtwich, SVP automotive at HERE Technologies. “Together with Daimler, we are mastering this powerful mapping technology and are truly excited to make it available for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.”
Ola Källenius, member of the board of management for group research and Mercedes-Benz cars development, also added: “Maps with centimetre precision updating themselves in near real-time, is one key element for autonomous driving. With the new HD Live Map and the rich, continuously growing information it provides we are taking a big step on the way towards autonomous driving.”
