The latest auto safety technology to come from Volvo is
designed not to protect a car’s passengers, but those who reside outside the
vehicle – both on foot and on two wheels.
Announced at the Geneva Motor Show, the new Pedestrian and
Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake system expands upon the automaker’s
current pedestrian detection technology and takes the industry one step closer
to creating a car that drives itself. This type of system is especially
important in Europe’s crowded urban streets, where half of all bicyclist
fatalities result from riders being struck by passenger cars.
The technology uses both a radar unit in a car’s front
grille and a high-definition camera that’s forward-mounted on the rearview
mirror to scan the area ahead on a continuous basis. The system will not
only sound an alert if a pedestrian steps into the vehicle’s path in city
traffic or if a bicyclist suddenly darts out in front of the vehicle as it
approaches from behind, but will apply the brakes at full force if it
determines a collision is otherwise imminent.
“Our solutions for avoiding collisions with unprotected road
users are unique in the industry. By covering more and more objects and
situations, we reinforce our world-leading position within automotive safety.
We keep moving towards our long-term vision to design cars that do not crash,”
says Volvo senior vice-president Doug Speck.
The system will be available in seven Volvo models in Europe
– including the V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 – beginning in mid-May,
with availability in the U.S. likely to follow.
No word yet on what the system might cost, but the current
pedestrian detection system is typically bundled with other like-minded
high-tech features. On the 2013 Volvo X60 crossover it’s included with forward
collision and lane departure warning systems, active high beam headlamps and
adaptive cruise control in a $2,100 Technology Package.
Article Credit: www.forbes.com
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