The Concept Experimental Safety Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz has always been a brand known for safety features but their new concept vehicle, ready to be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, truly sets the standards for safety at another level. The Mercedes-Benz Experimental Safety Vehicle is a radical combination of vehicle autonomy and artificial intelligence to ensure the safety of both passengers and other drivers on the road.

Whether driven by hand or left to the autonomous mode, the Experimental Safety Vehicle is all about the safety of anyone it CAN interact with. Some of the features that showcase this capability for safety in autonomous mode include retracted pedals and steering wheels in, front grille displays communicating vehicle intent such as giving way, and rear windshield projected animations and symbols for communication to drivers behind. And to ensure all passengers buckle up, the vehicle will not activate USB ports till all everyone has their seatbelt on, which is also heated so that drivers can take off jackets that would put them at higher risk for injury in a collision.

One of the most radical and crazy ideas though for this vehicle includes the new version of safety cones Mercedes-Benz has developed for hazard situations such as vehicle collisions. Taking advantage of the rear windshield communication system, the rear windshield begins flashing a hazard symbol, but that’s not the coolest part about this; a little safety robot cone will deploy from the rear of the vehicle, and move to a premium distance to promote safety and that the vehicle is stopped in an emergency situation. Another safety cone pops up on top of the vehicle in addition, but I personally find the little safety robot to be both amazing and hilarious.

One of the last, most unique features, on the Experimental Safety Vehicle though isn’t event directly intended for drivers. Instead, while the vehicle is parked, the ESF can stay active and use its sensor system to communicate both to drivers and pedestrians of potential issues. For example, say someone is looking to cross the street where vehicles are tightly packed and visibility is low; the ESF can help indicate when it’s safe to cross, or too dangerous. The ESF embodies safety, and although the vehicle overall may never come to fruition except in prototype, many of the technologies built into the vehicle will likely make their way into the design of future vehicles.