The Volvo Car group has unveiled technology that detects and automatically brakes for cyclists swerving out in front of the car.

This new function is a further evolution of Volvo’s current detection and auto brake technology. The new package will be called ‘pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto brake’.

New advanced software, including improved rapid vision processing, has made it possible to extend Volvo’s existing detection and auto brake technology to monitor cyclists as well.

“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 Car Group marketing, sales and customer service VP Doug Speck.

According to accident data, about 50% of all cyclist fatalities in European traffic are as a result of a collision with a car, says Volvo.

However, a cyclist in the same lane swerving out in front of the car is one incident type that is now addressed by Volvo’s new system. Scans

The advanced sensor system scans the area ahead. If a cyclist heading in the same direction as the car suddenly swerves out in front of the car and a collision is imminent, there is an instant warning and full braking power is applied.
The car’s initial speed obviously plays a significant role in the outcome, notes Volvo.

If the collision cannot be avoided entirely, the brake application will at least slow the vehicle down as much as possible – a lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced.
The detection system consists of a radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror and a central control unit.

The radar’s task is to detect objects in front of the car and to determine the distance to them. The camera determines the types of the objects.

Thanks to the dual-mode radar’s wide field of vision, pedestrians and cyclists can be detected early on.

The high-resolution camera makes it pos- sible to spot the moving pattern of pedestrians and cyclists. The central control unit continuously monitors and evaluates the traffic situation.

The auto brake system requires both the radar and the camera to confirm the object. With the advanced sensor technology, it is possible to apply full braking power immediately when necessary.

The technology also covers vehicles driving in the same lane.

Volvo Car South Africa confirms that the technology will be available on the 2014 models arriving in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year.