Mercedes is using autonomous cars in safety tests to avoid putting its test drivers at risk. The autonomous Mercedes’ take part in tests that are unable to carried out precisely and safely by its test drivers.

Acceleration, steering angles and manoeuvres are all inputted into the autonomous cars and the data is analysed to help Mercedes develop safety systems in its production cars.

Watch the video of the autonomous Mercedes in action

The firm claims it is the only manufacturer to use autonomous driving in testing. It says the process allows it to replicate driving scenarios that would be near impossible for humans to act out. Systems Mercedes is developing include the detection of high-speed traffic merging, airbags deploying when going over kerbs, and sudden braking.