Daimler Truck has announced that it will present new and upgraded safety assistance systems for trucks and coaches at the IAA Transportation 2026 trade show. The highlights are two innovations: Active Cross Traffic Assist and Active Sideguard Assist 3, according to Chinese automotive outlet Gasgoo.
New systems target high-risk intersection and turning scenarios
Active Cross Traffic Assist is designed to assist drivers when fast-moving vehicles or motorcycles cross the truck's path at intersections. It uses a 270-degree sensor fusion setup comprising long-range radar, a multifunction camera, and short-range radar sensors. The system can detect vehicles and motorcycles approaching from the left or right at speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph). If a collision is imminent, it first issues visual and audible warnings and initiates partial braking. If the driver does not respond, the system can apply full automatic braking, potentially bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. Drivers can override the system at any time, including by pressing the accelerator past the kick-down point.
Active Sideguard Assist 3 enhances active turning assistance on both sides of the vehicle. For the first time, it supports turning maneuvers on the driver's side, detecting oncoming vehicles crossing multiple lanes at speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph). When turning on the driver's side and a potential collision is detected, the system issues warnings if the vehicle speed is below 40 km/h (25 mph), and can initiate braking within a speed range of 0 to 20 km/h (0-12 mph). The system uses six radar sensors and a multifunction camera, monitoring areas alongside and ahead of the vehicle, including along trailers. It also assists with passenger-side turns and lane changes.
Both new systems will be available on all Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs trucks, as well as Mercedes-Benz and Setra coaches, starting in April 2027. The upgraded Active Drive Assist 3 will debut on the Actros.
Upgrades to existing systems
The portfolio also includes upgrades to existing assistance systems. Active Drive Assist 3, fitted on the Actros, gains new functions aimed at improving personalization, ease of use, and lane guidance. Daimler Truck also introduced Attention Assist 2, which uses a camera to monitor driver distraction, fatigue, and potential microsleep.
According to Mustafa Üstertuna, head of software and electronics development at Daimler Truck, the company's development philosophy prioritizes real-world driving situations over sensors and algorithms. "Safety often depends on decisions made within a few seconds," he said. "That is why we always focus on actual traffic conditions first, then on sensors and algorithms." He emphasized that the driver remains fully responsible for vehicle safety, with the systems providing support within their defined limits.
The systems are designed for various applications in freight and passenger transport, offering warnings, automatic braking, or driving assistance depending on the system and vehicle configuration. Daimler Truck's own accident research and analysis of real traffic conditions identified high-speed crossing traffic, complex visibility conditions, and other road users in close proximity as key factors in dangerous situations, driving the development of these targeted assistance features.
