AI: Autonomous driving – Mercedes is expanding its cooperation with Nvidia

Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia are expanding their collaboration on automated driving. The two companies have been strategic partners since 2020. The aim is to bring further innovations onto the road while maintaining high safety standards, said Mercedes Chief Development Officer Jörg Burzer.

The “Handsfree Assist” system is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. This means the driver no longer has to keep his hands on the steering wheel, but still has to pay attention to the road. The “Drive Assist Pro” will follow at the beginning of 2027, which will take over trips from point to point, for example to work or home, if desired. The system should be able to adapt to the driver’s driving style.

The partners do not give a specific date for automated driving at level 3. Burzer and Nvidia manager Ali Kani expect the step “in the next few years”. A “Drive Pilot” is planned that will drive up to 130 km/h and in any weather.

The driver could then temporarily devote himself to emails or entertainment offers. The companies are also working on level 4 systems, in which vehicles travel in defined areas without a driver, but so far without a schedule. According to Kani, Nvidia also wants to play a role in the development of robotaxis. Mercedes also uses Nvidia technology for simulations in vehicle development and in its MO360 digital production system.

At the same time, Mercedes is changing its product development. Together with Siemens and the software provider Contact Software, the group is building an AI-supported system for product lifecycle management, called “PLM.AI”. It is intended to connect development, purchasing, production, sales and customer service. So far, Mercedes has used AI in many areas, but mostly as a standalone solution.