Mercedes-Benz develops robotaxi service based on S-Class

Mercedes-Benz and Momenta are ushering in the next stage of automated driving with the launch of an SAE Level 4 robotaxi service. Following an initial test phase in Abu Dhabi, this driverless shuttle service - based on the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class - will be operated in the city by Lumo.

Mercedes-Benz was the first international automaker to receive approval to test fully automated driving systems (SAE Level 4) on designated inner-city streets and highways in Beijing. This involves testing the hardware and software of future automated driving systems for private vehicles. The project investigates multi-sensor perception during fully automated driving, verifies system performance under various conditions, and explores the integration of the sensors' environmental perception.

The new S-Class was chosen as the ideal vehicle for an SAE Level 4 chauffeur experience, combining safety, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. During testing, the vehicles were equipped with a sensor array specially developed for the project, including LiDAR, radar sensors, and cameras.

This initiative complements Mercedes-Benz's other SAE Level 4 projects, some of which focus on the end-customer segment, while others examine commercial applications. Mercedes-Benz has also said that this project will first launch in Abu Dhabi, with the option for other locations to be announced at a later date.