Mercedes-Benz is developing a new internal operating system to power its next generation of electric vehicles. Announced today at an event the automaker held in California, Mercedes said MB.OS – short for Mercedes-Benz Operating System – will offer improvements in automated safety, driving and navigation.
The automaker is working with several partners to build its new software stack, including NVIDIA, Luminar, and Google. Mercedes will rely on NVIDIA for the company’s software, data and AI expertise. The GPU maker will also power the first generation of electric cars that Mercedes builds based on its upcoming Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. The automaker expects the first MMA EV to arrive in the middle of the decade.
Mercedes Benz
As for Luminar and Google, the former will provide Mercedes with its LiDAR technology, while the latter will work with the company to create a branded navigation experience that incorporates features from Google Maps. Meanwhile, Mercedes is bring the company’s “Venue Details” data to all cars with the latest version of its MBUX infotainment system. You can use the integration to search for a local business, find out when it’s open, and see photos of the inside and what other Googlers have to say about it. Mercedes plans to open MB.OS to other partners as well, including zoom and even angry Birds Rovio developer.
All electric MMA vehicles will ship with the necessary hardware for Level 2 automated driving. Mercedes is also working with NVIDIA and Luminar to offer Drive Pilot, a Level 3 automated driving system. The software will arrive later this year. in models Naturally, MB.OS will also enable Mercedes to offer over-the-air updates, allowing it to add new features to existing cars.
The company isn’t shy about the fact that some updates may cost a one-time fee or come as part of a package. In fact, Mercedes has already announced a handful of software packages that it will offer to car owners with MB.OS. MB.Connect, for example, will bring together the company’s navigation, entertainment and communication functions in a single package. Other packages, such as MB.Charge, will give customers priority access to Mercedes-Benz charging stations. The automaker says it will allow drivers to browse and purchase upgrades for their Benz online, through the Mercedes mobile app, and directly from the car.
“The company is confident that this strategic approach to software and hardware development will be the foundation for lifetime revenue as well as additional contributions,” Mercedes said, adding that it expects software revenue from packages like MB .Connect contribute “from low to low. mid-single-digit figure of billions of euros” to its final result in the middle of the decade.
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