Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), the largest R&D center for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany, has completed a decade of accident research in India. This milestone was commemorated at the 2024 Mercedes-Benz SAFE ROADS India Summit in Bengaluru, focused on addressing India’s road safety challenges and raising awareness about safe practices.
India recorded over 4.8 lakh road accidents and 1.72 lakh fatalities in 2023. MBRDI’s accident research has highlighted the critical role of passive safety systems, with findings showing that 95% of seat belt users among drivers and front passengers avoided injuries.
The MBRDI Accident Research team, operating as a digital hub for global initiatives, specialises in accident reconstruction, data analytics, and anonymisation. Since initiating on-site accident investigations in 2019, the team has analysed 52 significant cases, including seven involving electric vehicles. A standout achievement was their investigation of the first EQS accident, demonstrating expertise in emerging automotive technologies. Their work informs the design of safer vehicles by identifying crash deformation patterns and other critical insights.
Prof Dr Paul Dick, Director of Vehicle Safety at Mercedes-Benz AG, underscored the importance of local accident research in achieving the company’s goal of accident-free mobility by 2050. He praised MBRDI’s contributions to addressing India’s unique safety challenges while enhancing global safety standards.
MBRDI employs cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning-based image anonymisation, Python-driven data analysis, and augmented reality tools like VuZix smart glasses to advance accident research. Additional tools, including 3D scanning and e-Call data, enable precise accident reconstruction and collaborative analysis.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in improving road safety. The SAFE ROADS initiative, launched in 2015, fosters partnerships with government agencies, academia, NGOs, and industry to promote innovative solutions.
The SAFE ROADS India Summit 2024 included a panel discussion with experts like Piyush Tewari, CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, and Bengaluru’s Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic), M. N. Anucheth, IPS, who explored the role of data-driven approaches in enhancing road safety. The event also featured a student ideathon, where participants proposed innovative safety solutions.
The winning team from IIT Madras developed a LiDAR-based terrain drop-off detection system for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Other noteworthy ideas included an AI-driven dynamic driver feedback system from IIT Hyderabad and a geo-fencing solution for enforcing speed limits in sensitive zones, presented by another IIT Madras team. These projects highlight the potential of technology-driven strategies to improve road safety in India.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is the largest research and development center for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany. Founded in 1996, MBRDI has been instrumental in advancing technologies such as connected, autonomous, and electric mobility. Operating from offices in Bengaluru and Pune, MBRDI employs over 8,500 professionals specializing in digital product development, interior component design, IT engineering, and related services.
