This is fairly interesting. Volvo has introduced a system that will take over and apply to brakes in order to prevent a collision (at least, one from running directly into an object). There are some legal ramifications, so don't expect to see this on your car just yet, but it remains a step in the right direction.
Posted by elkaim at June 25, 2006 5:31 PMVolvo Car Corporation has focused its system development on detecting potential safety risks at an earlier stage. This means to help preventing accidents from occurring, or reducing their effects, simply by reducing speed and shortening the stopping distance. First out was the Collision Warning with Brake Support, recently launched in the new Volvo S80. It allows a 15° field of view, is equipped with a long range radar and registers moving and stopping vehicles.
- A radar sensor is designed to monitor the area in front of the car. If the driver does not react when the car approaches another vehicle from behind, a red light is reflected on the windscreen and a buzzer sounds, says Ingrid Skogsmo, Safety Director at Volvo Car Corporation.
To increase the margins even more, the brake pads are automatically placed against the discs. When the driver brakes, the system monitors the pedal pressure. If the pressure is assessed as being too light, the braking power is amplified by the system.