Yes, the AMG Performance Steering Wheel (like most modern steering wheels in advanced vehicles) can detect if the driver's hands are removed through steering angle sensors and torque sensors integrated into the wheel. This detection is part of a broader safety system aimed at ensuring the driver maintains control of the vehicle.

Here’s how the steering wheel detects the absence of hands and how it ties into the vehicle’s safety features:

1. Torque and Steering Angle Sensors

• Torque sensors measure the amount of force the driver is applying to the steering wheel. If the driver removes their hands, the system will detect the lack of torque or force being applied, signaling that the driver is no longer in full control of the wheel.
• Steering angle sensors track the wheel's position. If the wheel turns beyond a certain angle without any input from the driver (i.e., no hands on the wheel), the system recognizes this as a potential safety concern.

2. Steering Assist Systems and Alerts

• Modern vehicles, especially AMG G-Class models, often come equipped with Active Steering Assist or Lane Keeping Assist. These systems help steer the car back into its lane if it detects the vehicle drifting without input from the driver. If the vehicle senses the driver's hands are off the wheel, these systems will activate and attempt to gently steer the car back on course.
• Driver Attention Monitoring: Some systems, like Attention Assist, monitor the driver’s alertness. If it detects a pattern of no input from the steering wheel, it may alert the driver with visual or audible warnings, reminding them to place their hands back on the wheel.

3. Driver Safety Features

• If the vehicle detects that the driver has removed their hands from the wheel and continues to do so for a certain period, it may trigger a series of warnings:
  • Visual Alerts: A message may appear on the instrument cluster or head-up display, indicating the need to place hands back on the wheel.
  • Audible Alerts: A chime or beep may sound, reminding the driver to take control of the steering.
  • Haptic Feedback: Some systems may trigger a vibration or pulse in the steering wheel, signaling to the driver to re-engage with the vehicle.
• If the system determines the driver is no longer responding, more urgent alerts may follow, or in some extreme cases, the vehicle may initiate Emergency Stop Assist to gradually slow the vehicle down in a controlled manner.

4. Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Features

• In vehicles with semi-autonomous features (like Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot or Level 3 autonomy systems), the vehicle can drive on its own under certain conditions. However, even in these scenarios, the car will still require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel to take over in case of an emergency or system failure.
• If the system detects that the driver has removed their hands for too long, it may start to prompt the driver to re-engage with the system, and eventually, it could disable the autonomous driving features entirely if no response is received.

Summary

The AMG Performance Steering Wheel is equipped with sensors that detect when the driver’s hands are removed from the wheel, playing a crucial role in driver safety. These sensors, along with integrated systems like steering assist, lane keeping, and driver attention monitoring, help ensure that the vehicle is always under control. If the system detects a lack of input, it will trigger alerts or interventions to prompt the driver to re-engage with the vehicle and maintain control.