Stellantis Unveils Next-Generation Autonomous Driving Technology – STLA AutoDrive
Stellantis takes a significant step forward in self-driving vehicle development with the introduction of STLA AutoDrive, its Level 3 autonomous driving system. This cutting-edge technology enables drivers to remove their hands from the wheel and even take their eyes off the road, though it currently functions at speeds up to 60 km/h. In the future, Stellantis plans to increase this limit to 95 km/h and develop an off-road version, making autonomous driving possible even in rugged terrain.
Smart and Adaptive System
STLA AutoDrive complies with the SAE Level 3 standard, allowing vehicles to accelerate, brake, and steer independently in specific conditions, such as heavy city traffic. Unlike some existing systems, it remains fully operational in nighttime and adverse weather conditions. By comparison, Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot currently supports speeds up to 95 km/h, with plans to extend this to 130 km/h in the future.
The system also offers Level 2 and Level 2+ modes, where the driver must either keep their hands on the wheel or monitor the road, but with a higher speed range.
Prioritizing Comfort and Safety
STLA AutoDrive is designed to make city driving more convenient, allowing drivers to watch movies, read books, or enjoy the scenery while the system maintains speed, handles steering, braking, and ensures safe following distances. It features visual and audio alerts to notify the driver when full autonomous mode is engaged.
A key innovation is its sensor and camera cleaning system, which ensures continuous functionality in various environmental conditions, preventing dirt or weather from obstructing the system's efficiency.
Cloud-Based Updates and Future Expansion
The system is cloud-connected, enabling remote software updates and continuous improvements without requiring a visit to a service center. Additionally, STLA AutoDrive can be adapted for different market regulations, making it highly versatile across global regions.
