The so-called automated valet parking service that has been equipped into Mercedes-Benz’s EQS Saloon and S-Class Saloon models is being expanded to additional car models such as its E-Class.
The automated parking function searches for a parking space without the driver being in the car. The Intelligent Park Pilot technology uses pre-booked parking space via smartphone ordering with Mercedes’ app. The driver takes it to a garage in the designated drop-off area at the parking garage and the automated valet parking infrastructure takes control of the vehicle.
This infrastructure is powered by Bosch sensors that then help the vehicle automatically drive to the reserved parking space. When the driver returns, they initiate the pick-up via the app and the driverless vehicle pulls out of the spot to the pick-up area where the driver then takes over.
Bosch and Mercedes have been working together on the automated valet system since early last year when they demonstrated the technology at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown hotel. The demonstration used a Mercedes EQS integrated with the smartphone app.
Since then, the EQE Saloon and S-Class models from Mercedes have been integrated with driverless parking technology. The Intelligent Park Pilot will be next integrated into the E-Class with the remote parking package with onboard technology to park and unpark without a driver.
Previously, Ford, Bedrock and Bosch launched a self-driving project for automated valet at a parking garage in Detroit. At IAA Mobility 2021, Unikie showcased an automated parking solution using data and machine learning to park the vehicle independent of a driver.
So while this isn’t the first time that automated valet systems have been tested, it may be the first time that it has been integrated into multiple vehicles from one automotive OEM.
