Daimler, a German automotive manufacturer, has begun trials of the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus with CityPilot technology in the Netherlands.

This bus can recognise traffic lights, communicate with them, and safely manoeuvre junctions, using vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) equipment.

The Germany company expects that the semiautomated bus will help address traffic problems by ensuring smoother interactions with traffic.

"The Germany company expects that the semiautomated bus will help address traffic problems by ensuring smoother interactions with traffic."

The CityPilot technology in the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus is based on that of the Mercedes-Benz Actros truck with Highway Pilot presented two years ago. It has undergone further development specifically for use in a city bus, with several added functions.

It can recognise obstacles, especially pedestrians on the road, and brake autonomously; it approaches bus stops automatically, where it opens and closes its doors and can drive through tunnels.

The bus is equipped with just under a dozen cameras to scan the road and surroundings, long and short-range radar systems that constantly monitor the route ahead and a GPS system. The data received create a precise picture and allow the bus to be positioned within centimetres.