Yes, the AMG Performance Steering Wheel in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (and other AMG vehicles) is part of an advanced system that integrates with Mercedes-Benz’s Attention Assist feature, designed to help detect signs of driver fatigue. While the steering wheel itself does not directly detect fatigue, it plays an important role in the overall system by providing feedback to the driver when the system detects potential drowsiness or reduced attention.

Here’s how the fatigue detection system and the steering wheel work together to improve driver safety:

1. Attention Assist (Driver Fatigue Detection):

• Attention Assist is a system that monitors the driver's steering behavior to assess signs of fatigue or inattention. It tracks steering inputs over time and compares them to established patterns to detect deviations that may suggest the driver is not fully engaged or is becoming drowsy.
• If the system detects that the driver is exhibiting signs of fatigue (such as erratic or inconsistent steering movements), it will trigger an alert.

2. Steering Wheel Feedback:

• The AMG Performance Steering Wheel plays a critical role in delivering this feedback to the driver. When the Attention Assist system determines that the driver may be fatigued, it activates visual and tactile alerts:
  • Visual alert: A warning message appears on the instrument cluster, typically indicating that the driver should take a break.
  • Tactile alert: The steering wheel provides a vibration or feedback (a slight nudge or tremor) to reinforce the visual warning and draw the driver’s attention.
• This tactile feedback from the steering wheel is a key feature, ensuring that the driver feels a physical reminder, even if they aren’t looking at the instrument cluster.

3. Driver Monitoring System:

• The system monitors the driver’s steering inputs to look for irregularities in their behavior. This includes checking for any sudden or inconsistent steering motions, which might be a sign of a driver losing focus or becoming fatigued.
• When the system detects such behavior, it uses the steering wheel to alert the driver, either through vibrations or stiffening resistance, prompting them to pay attention to the road or take a break.

4. Customization of Feedback:

• Mercedes-Benz also provides the option to adjust the sensitivity of Attention Assist, allowing drivers to tailor how often they receive alerts based on their driving habits. This ensures that the system is helpful, not overly intrusive, especially on long road trips where fatigue is a higher risk.

5. Long-Distance Driving Considerations:

• Given that long-distance driving is a common scenario where fatigue becomes an issue, the AMG Performance Steering Wheel is designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind. The Alcantara or leather grips and adjustable steering wheel position can reduce physical fatigue, contributing to overall driver well-being during extended driving.

6. Integration with Other Driver Assistance Features:

• The AMG Performance Steering Wheel also works with other driver assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, which can further help reduce the cognitive load on the driver, especially in situations where they may be prone to fatigue, like during long stretches on highways.

In summary:

While the AMG Performance Steering Wheel does not directly detect fatigue, it is an integral part of the Attention Assist system that helps detect and alert the driver to potential fatigue or loss of attention. Through vibrations and visual cues, the steering wheel aids in delivering these alerts, prompting the driver to take necessary actions to maintain safety on the road. The system works by monitoring the driver’s steering behavior and offering real-time feedback when fatigue is suspected.