Mercedes' autonomous Future Bus just drove through Amsterdam

Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot.
Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot.
Image: Daimler

Autonomy isn't just for cars; Mercedes-Benz has created a self-driving city bus, too.

Mercedes-Benz revealed its latest creation on Monday morning. Called the Future Bus, it's the first city bus that can drive autonomously. 



Mercedes-Benz Future Bus interior.

Image: Daimler


Unlike HighwayPilot, which Mercedes aims to send into production vehicles by 2020, the German automaker doesn't intend to send Future Bus' CityPilot system into production in its complete form. Instead, it will implement portions of the system — like driving to and away from bus stops — into its city buses. Additionally, Mercedes wants to use semi-autonomous tech to improve the efficiency of its zero-emissions powertrains.

Image: Daimler

Future Bus does more than demo some production-intended technology; it also shows how Mercedes envisions a more comfortable, tech-heavy public transit of the future.

Specifically, in the "lounge" portion of the bus, riders can wirelessly charge their smartphones through inductive charging pads as well as check information on large displays.

There's no word as to whether future Mercedes trucks will include such distinctive exterior styling to match the underlying tech. But here's to hoping.
