Mercedes-Benz presents vision of modular AV

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The Urbanetic concept imagines an electrically powered, autonomous driving platform that can be fitted with different modules to serve as a cargo or people mover.

In van configuration, the lack of a driver means that it can carry a much larger volume of cargo than a traditional van: the 5.14m vehicle would have a 3.7m load space. This makes for a load volume of 10m3, or 10 EPAL palettes.

The cargo module could then be swapped out manually or automatically in a few minutes for a people-carrier module, offering space for up to 12 passengers. The platform could also make its way to a next job location without a body attached.

The concept vehicle could be part of an intelligent, self-learning IT infrastructure that learns and adapts to changing transportation needs, allowing the vehicles to anticipate traffic situations and adjust travel times accordingly.

By Illya Verpraet

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As editor of four magazines at UKi Media & Events James brings over a decade of writing about, and obsessing over, technology and cars to Automotive Interiors World, Stadia, Winter Sports Technology International and Auditoria. Responsible for commissioning, writing and editing each issue he’s covered the best (and worst) from around the industry on a continual search to feature the latest innovation or talking point on the next cover.




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