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Touring the Mercedes-Benz Sunnyvale R&D center (pictures)

Much of the advanced technology in a modern Mercedes is developed in Silicon Valley. Let's take a tour of where the magic happens.

Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens got his start writing professionally while still in school in the mid '90s, and since then has covered topics ranging from business process management to video game development to automotive technology.
Tim Stevens
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Mercedes-Benz star

Behold the giant, rotating three-point star outside of the new Mercedes-Benz R&D center in Sunnyvale, Calif., now bigger and more-high tech than before. CNET was lucky enough to be let inside for a tour of the place to see some of the work that comes out of the studio, and now you can follow along.

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Star and crowd

The gathered crowd for the grand opening.

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Workspace in blue

A collaborative workspace at the MBRDNA.

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Nest thermostat

One of the 114 Nest thermostats to be found at the Mercedes R&D facility.

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Dashboard debugging

Dashboard debugging and testing tools.

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Adjustable desks

Adjustable desks for all.

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Letting in the light

Offices and meeting rooms, with plenty of glass.

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It's like this

Speakers at the grand opening.

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Whiteboard

A whiteboard where developers are checking off features for next-generation releases.

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3D printer

One of the 3D printers at MBRDNA.

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S-class prototype interior

The prototype S-Class cockpit.

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Concept dashboard

A concept future dashboard with gesture recognition, as previously seen at CES.

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Meeting room

One of the meeting rooms at the MBRDNA.

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Car radios

Various car radios from various regions.

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Pebble watches meet Mercedes app

Pebble smartwatches running the Mercedes-Benz app.

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Pebbles a la Mercedes

Another look at the Pebbles running the Mercedes-Benz app.

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The Pebble in red

A Pebble running the Mercedes-Benz app.

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In-car apps

Some of the various in-car apps.

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Dashboard warning

A navigation system shows a warning because the car ahead has its hood open.

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Test tools

More testing and debugging tools.

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More test tools

More testing and debugging tools.

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Meeting room

Inside a meeting room.

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License plate art

Art showing appreciation for the states of driving.

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Classic CL

Classic CL -- in model form.

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