Daimler Taps Riedel for Demo of Mercedes-Benz ‘Future Truck 2025’

Riedel Communications, provider of pioneering real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, announced that Daimler deployed Riedel equipment to provide press and other guests with their first demonstration of the Mercedes-Benz “Future Truck 2025,” the world’s first truck capable of driving autonomously. System integrator XL Video GmbH supplied the Riedel MediorNet Modular real-time media network, Artist digital matrix intercom system, and pure fiber cable used for video and audio transport during the event, staged by creative agency [mu:d] GmbH on a new piece of autobahn.

“In introducing a major achievement for Daimler, we wanted to be certain that guests enjoyed the best possible look at the ‘Future Truck 2025,'” said Tobias Nickels, video project manager, at [mu:d] GmbH. “The quality of the signals delivered over the Riedel network, as well as the flexibility of the network itself, gave us a powerful tool for showcasing the innovation and style of this new truck.”

During the Daimler event near Magdeburg, grandstands for guests were positioned along the roadway to provide a look at the unique Mercedes-Benz truck, which uses a “Highway Pilot” system to drive autonomously at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. A large LED screen displayed live images from different areas of the road during the demonstration, as well as video from three on-board cameras. A wireless receiver site for the on-board camera systems was established near the control room. The Grass Valley LDX cameras used Riedel’s MN-GV-2 cards and local power to interface via fiber into the MediorNet Modular fiber ring, which supported audio and video signal transport.

Initially, two cameras were positioned at the main grandstand and another two at autobahn overpasses. The flexibility of Riedel’s fiber-based network made it easy for [mu:d] and XL Video GmbH to go back and install a third camera on one overpass without needing to run another two kilometers of cabling. The four nodes of the fiber ring were situated in the main control room, at the video wall, and at the two overpasses.

“Riedel equipment sets the standard for live event communications and signal transport, and the performance, versatility, and reliability of the company’s solutions were evident in the quality of the Daimler ‘Future Truck 2025’ event,” said Christian Heinzel, broadcast manager at XL Video GmbH. “We felt extremely comfortable recommending this equipment to [mu:d] and Daimler, and it proved worthy for the high-profile launch of what likely represents the long-haul vehicle of the future.”