Daimler announces that it has re-created a new innovation by launching a new generation of rearview camera technology (MirrorCam) for Mercedes-Benz trucks.
Since April 2022, Mercedes-Benz Actros, Arocs and eActros trucks have been equipped with the detailed development of MirrorCam technology which plays a vital role in every vehicle and has been awarded with several innovation awards in the world.
“Intensive discussions with our customers and their experiences from day-to-day operations form the basis for us to make further adjustments to individual technical parameters, resulting in greater added value, especially in terms of appearance and safety,” said Prof. Uwe Baake, Head of Product Development at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
In terms of model, Daimler’s second generation MirrorCam design looks more prominent thanks to the camera arms on both sides that have been shortened by 10 cm. It is intended that the driver can reverse in a straight line more easily than the first generation.
The shorter dimensions also provide another advantage because with a 2.50 meter wide cabin, the camera arm now doesn’t protrude further from the rear view mirror that is in the driver’s view and minimizes collisions with objects on the roadside. Thanks to the identical chassis width, this also applies to the 2.30 meter wide cabin variant.
As part of the revision of the camera-based system, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also developed further features. One is the MirrorCam’s longer housing design to prevent rainwater from flowing onto the camera lens and causing a lack of visibility.
In addition, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have also further optimized the tone mapping which is reflected especially on the more contrasting screen display. The camera system’s evolution in auto-adaptation of color and brightness can pinpoint areas relevant to the driving situation even more accurately when backing into a dark or poorly lit facility.
Furthermore, this development is claimed to have resulted in higher added value for MirrorCam as a whole. Thanks to its supporting effects, the enhanced system can help manage situations such as overtaking, maneuvering, driving in poor visibility and darkness, cornering and passing through tight spaces more safely.
This interaction between the MirrorCam and the Cornering Assistant feature of Mercedes‑Benz Trucks has proven to be helpful, especially in complex traffic situations such as at intersections. This feature will continue to use the MirrorCam display for visual alerts.
In addition, Daimler also embeds the optional Active Sideguard Assist feature that can start automatic braking up to a cornering speed of 20 kph. This is claimed to reduce the risk of truck drivers failing to see cyclists or pedestrians when turning.
