Level 3 automated driving
Valeo lidar technology in Mercedes' Drive Pilot system
Scala 2, Valeo's second-generation LiDAR, plays an important role in the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system for conditionally automated driving (SAE level 3), which allows the driver to safely delegate the driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions.
The new S-Class is the first vehicle to be equipped with Valeo's technology. In December 2021, Mercedes-Benz received the world's first internationally valid system approval for conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3), thus meeting the demanding legal requirements of UN-R157 for such a system.
If the respective national legislation permits, Drive Pilot can drive in conditionally automated driving mode up to a speed of 60 km/h, in heavy traffic or congestion situations, and on suitable highway sections. In Germany, Drive Pilot will still be available in the first half of 2022. The automaker also plans to apply for approval in California and Nevada within this year.
Data acquisition accurate to the centimeter
Valeo's Scala 2 measures the distance to objects in the vehicle's environment to centimeter accuracy by calculating the time it takes its laser beam to travel to and from an obstacle. In this way, a complete 3D image of the vehicle's surroundings is created. This image, known as a point cloud, is analyzed by sophisticated algorithms to identify all objects, allowing the device to distinguish between moving and non-moving objects. It classifies them into different categories, such as cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians and infrastructure, and records their shape and position. At the same time, the system adapts to all lighting conditions, so it is not blinded by sunlight and can see well even in complete darkness.
The speed of moving objects is measured by tracking and recording them, even when they are no longer in the driver's field of vision. In addition, the system predicts the behavior and trajectories of objects. But it detects not only objects, but also clear areas where the car can safely drive. It is able to detect small objects, such as a tire that has fallen onto the road, thus protecting against collisions. Scala 2 is equipped with a special algorithm that detects lane markings based on their contrast with the road.
Cancels echoes caused by raindrops
With its software, Valeo's Scala 2 converts the sensor's raw data into usable data. The system eliminates any data that could falsify its calculations, as if it were filtering the information to validate only relevant data. In this way, for example, it can delete echoes caused by raindrops, allowing it to see through the rain and measure the density of a rainstorm. The software also allows Scala 2 to correct errors itself. For example, the cleaning system is triggered whenever the sensor's field of view is blocked, for example by dust or ice.
Valeo's Lidar is a sophisticated combination of high-precision mechanics, optics and electronics with software, algorithms and artificial intelligence. As a result, it works reliably, accurately and intelligently. The Valeo Group is currently the only company in the world to mass-produce a lidar scanner for the automotive industry. SCALA 2 is at the heart of the Drive Pilot system and helps drivers concentrate on other things while driving.
