Volvo accident prevention technology enters the test phase of development.
Volvo Trucks has developed new technology fitted to trucks to help prevent collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles.
The technology is capable of doing a 360-degree scan of a truck’s surroundings every 25 milliseconds using multiple radars, cameras and other sensors to identify and predict the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
The aim of the technology is to significantly reduce the chance of accidents caused by a limited field of vision and has been in development since 2010 as a collaboration between Volvo and Chalmers University in Sweden.
“The technology can predict traffic scenarios up to five seconds ahead, depending on the speed of the objects, and map out the best plan of action,” Volvo systems engineer Mansour Keshavarz says.
Once a risk of collision is identified, the technology will initially notify the driver. It also has the capability to take over control of the truck to prevent a collision.
“In many ways the technology serves as a co-driver – but one that can see all around the vehicle. It can also alert the driver to things that are happening so that he or she can react, for example by warning with an alarm signal or braking to avoid a collision,” Keshavarz adds.
Volvo traffic and product safety director Johan Almqvist says that the technology could be ready for the market within five to 10 years.
“We have the main components in place but we need to do a lot more testing in order to make sure that the system is fault-free. If we manage to solve these challenges, a future without truck accidents is within reach,” Almqvist adds.