Mercedes-Benz Vans put on display its holistic system solutions for the transport sector – a process initiated by the van manufacturer’s strategic future initiative adVANce. Mercedes-Benz Vans’ exhibits at CES include the van study – Vision Van. The Vision Van impressively combines the fields of transport and digitization, integrating information and technologies on an unprecedented level.
It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated load compartment, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries and a state-of-the-art joystick control. Powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270 km, deliveries with the Vision Van are emission-free and virtually silent. Combining cloud-based control software with optimized hardware, the Vision Van sets new standards in efficiency, quality and flexibility for last-mile delivery services.
The Vision Van’s design fuses intelligence and emotion in a unique manner. User experience and user interface are of particular importance in the Vision Van. The van study is an example of intelligent communication between the vehicle, the driver and their surroundings. The vehicle communicates with other road users via the Black Panel radiator grille with LED matrix and an LED display integrated in the rear end, which warns them when the vehicle is stopping, turning or releasing drones, for example. It also indicates road users when the vehicle is parked for a prolonged period and can thus be overtaken.
This form of intelligent communication continues inside the vehicle. The Vision Van provides its driver with all relevant information, such as speed, route planning information or drone flight details, via the dashboard, which takes the form of a broadly sweeping arc covered with a premium textile. The Vision Van also provides information to the parcel deliverer via the floor. LED indicators in the stainless steel floor signal by means of a special effect whether any pedestrians or cyclists are approaching. At the rear wall of the driver’s cab, next to the package dispenser, is an info terminal that serves as a means of communication for the Vision Van’s autonomously functioning integrated systems. It also performs the role of a central control unit to connect the intelligent vehicle, the automated systems and information relating to the individual delivery orders to be carried out.
The driver is also continuously provided with information relating to manual delivery operations by means of a smartwatch. The watch shows him various data, such as the delivery address, input codes for electronic locking systems and, if necessary, secure places in which the consignment concerned can be deposited. New possibilities also arise for end customers. They benefit from reliable new delivery options, such as same-day delivery and time-definite delivery. End customers are additionally able to adapt deliveries to their needs, rescheduling the delivery time when their plans for the day change, for example.
The long-term vision of this concept, which also goes by the name of Mothership, is an autonomous robot fleet which coordinates and optimizes its routes autonomously with vans from Mercedes-Benz and which is loaded automatically. Cooperation with Starship Technologies is to be stepped up in pursuit of this vision and the project is continued.
The cooperation with Starship is also indicative of new ways of working and a new corporate culture which Mercedes-Benz Vans has established under the adVANce initiative. While the strategy continues to focus on the product, the latter becomes a platform for connected solutions and an integrated system for innovative transport concepts. The aim is to generate added value for customers and to develop holistic solutions for transport purposes.
The new modus operandi adopted by Mercedes-Benz Vans also includes collaborating closely with start-ups – such as Starship Technologies. Another prominent example is the cooperation with the innovative delivery drone start-up Matternet, which is based in Menlo Park, California. In addition to their collaboration on the Vision Van, other joint undertakings by the two companies include a pilot project testing the use of vans as landing platforms for drones in locations which are difficult to access.
Apart from collaborating with start-ups, Mercedes-Benz Vans has also positioned itself within the creative environment of the start-up scene with a newly created business unit that has a presence in Stuttgart, Berlin and Silicon Valley. On the basis of the motto Back to the garage, Mercedes-Benz Vans has established a unit which works on innovations in a start-up garage in Menlo Park. The employees there work on pilot projects to develop solutions tailored to specific areas of application using an iterative approach. They combine the classic strengths of Mercedes-Benz Vans with new ways of working, such as design thinking, agile project management methods (Scrum), customer co-creation or rapid prototyping.
