Volvo Trucks has developed an advanced emergency braking system equipped with early collision warning which is available on the new Volvo FH Series two years ahead of emergency braking systems becoming mandatory for new trucks in the EU.
The system combines a radar and a camera that work together to identify and monitor vehicles in front. The system is designed to deal with both stationary and moving vehicles and can prevent a collision with a moving target at relative speeds of up to 70kph/45mph. When the system detects a vehicle that the truck will hit at its current speed, the warning system activates a constant red light in the windscreen in order to bring the driver’s attention back to the road.
However, if the truck fails to detect any reaction from the driver, such as steering or braking, the system upgrades to a flashing red light and a beeping sound. If there is still no reaction, the system applies the brakes gently. When all this fails, the system activates the emergency braking system and does everything possible to bring the truck to a complete stop.
In the EU, emergency braking systems will be a legal requirement in new trucks by November 2015.
Coincidentally, Volvo Trucks’ compatriot Volvo Cars was the first car OEM to demonstrate emergency braking which could take over from a non-alert driver, in a V70.
