Mercedes-Benz Previews the 18-Wheeler of the Future

Mercedes-Benz is releasing its vision for the long-distance truck of the future.

The German automaker will premiere its Future Truck 2025 at this year’s International Commercial Vehicle show (IAA) in Germany but has released a gallery of photos and details on what to expect from the study. As an autonomous vehicle, the Future Truck 2025 has actually been tested at speeds of up to 50 mph on a prototype model in realistic traffic conditions this past summer in Germany.

“Communication between vehicles is also standardized,” Mercedes-Benz said in a press release. “The range of these continuous sent messages is a radius of around 500 meters. The vehicles inform each other about their movements, so that they can respond to them immediately in anticipatory mode. This includes reacting to vehicles joining a motorway, or when approaching the end of a traffic tailback, for example. The more vehicles are communicating with each other on these routes, the more dynamically and flexibly they are able to respond to one another and together.”

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According to the company, the system works independently of traffic and the truck is capable of adapting its speed “within the permitted limit and maintaining a set safety distance” from any vehicle traveling ahead.

The Future Truck 2025 utilizes a multitude of radar sensors to scan the road ahead and around the vehicle while sending data back to its technologies including the Blind Spot Assist System that warns the truck driver about other vehicles. The system also alerts the driver of possible collisions with stationary obstacles.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

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