Robot drivers could shift test driving of cars into new gear

Mercedes sets up an autopilot test. Photo / Supplied

Mercedes could be the first vehicle manufacturer to use autopilot to test vehicle assistance and safety systems.

Early testing has used computer simulation, but on-road exercises always involved a driver. That introduces variables to any test, given even the best driver cannot exactly replicate earlier runs.

The autopilot set-up uses a "robot" driver, with mechanical linkages operating the steering wheel and pedals, controlled by an in-car computer monitored by engineers sited well away from the action.

That means the pre-programmed course will be followed exactly, using identical speeds and steering angles each time, and if necessary running multiple vehicles simultaneously.

Mercedes says it can send a vehicle over a pre-planned course with a variance in wheel-track of less than 2cm, and braking manoeuvres completed within a radius of 3cm.

Its engineers are sufficiently confident that tests are planned which will place cars under extreme loads - for example testing to ensure airbags don't deploy if you drive too vigorously over a ramp, or unexpectedly hit a kerb.

Other tests will evaluate crash avoidance features using cars driving in close proximity, swerving, or crossing closely in front of another vehicle.

One such system expected soon is Traffic Jam Assist, fitted to the F 800 Style research car revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

It maintains distance from the car in front during heavy traffic and uses radar distance sensors and a stereo camera to recognise whether the car ahead is filtering round a curve - in which case you'll follow - or turning on to an exit ramp, in which case you'll stay in a lane. Designed to work at under 40km/h, it gradually disengages over it.

Also likely soon is Pre-Safe 360, which monitors traffic behind the car and brakes automatically if a rear shunt is likely to prevent your vehicle from catapulting forward - into cross-traffic or over a pedestrian.