Autonomous Vehicle and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Autonomous vehicles are well on their way to being a reality. The videos below highlight some of the systems that are currently available.
Autonomous Vehicle Systems
Active Cruise Control
Adjusts a vehicle’s speed and maintains distance from a vehicle ahead. Uses radar and adjusts throttle and brakes to keep a pre-programmed distance from the vehicle ahead. More advanced systems can work in stop and go situations such as traffic jam.
Automated Valet Parking
Allows cars to drive and park themselves using smart infrastructure.
Automatic Brake Hold
Keeps the brakes engaged after a complete stop. The driver can remove his or her foot from the brake pedal without the car rolling forward or backwards. When the driver presses the gas pedal the vehicle automatically releases the brake.
Automatic Braking
Can partially or completely stop the vehicle if it detects a potential collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, using radar or laser sensors, camera(s), or a combination of these devices to detect collisions and potential threats.
Evasive Steering Assist
Evasive Steering Assist uses radar and a camera to detect slower moving and stationary vehicles ahead, and provides steering support to enable drivers to avoid a vehicle if a collision is imminent.
Lane Keeping Assist
Alerts the driver if his vehicle is moving out of its lane and can steer the vehicle back to the center of the lane. Adjusts vehicle direction through steering and/or braking on one side of the vehicle.
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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Adaptive Headlights
Headlights can now respond to your surroundings, changing from high to low beam, and changing direction depending on traffic and terrain.
Backup Assist
Provides a hands-off solution to trailer reversing. The driver lets go of the steering wheel and uses a dashboard control knob to guide the trailer without the mental gymnastics of 'left to go right'.
Blind Spot Detection
Detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating or tactile. Can also alert drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides.
Cross Traffic Alert Systems
Uses radar or other technology to detect approaching objects that you cannot see. Sensors are mounted on the rear bumper so they have a better vantage point to detect cross traffic than the driver.
Local Hazard Information
There are many times when knowing what is around the corner could be useful. But for drivers that knowledge could be critical. Now, thanks to Ford’s new connected car technology, it is also a reality
Rear Automatic Braking
Rear automatic braking detects a potential collision while in reverse and automatically applies brakes if a crash is imminent. Engineering Explained’s Jason Fenske explains how it works
Automatic Sensing Gadgets
Our cars can now sense much of the environment around them, along with the adaptive headlights and steering, and automatic drivetrains mentioned above, our cars can now provide:
| Rain-sensing Wipers |
Cabin Climate Control |
Distracted Driver Detection |
Tire Pressure Monitor |
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| Rain-sensing wipers are designed to clear the windshield of rain, snow, and debris without driver intervention. They automatically activate and alter speed and rate to keep outward visibility unobstructed at all times. |
With automatic climate control vehicle occupants can set their preferred temperature and the system will manage the heating, air conditioning, and vents to maintain that temperature independently of other occupants. |
This system monitors the driver’s head and eyes to ensure they are up and facing forward, that the eyes are open, and monitors steering patterns and lane keeping. The system gives an alert if it detects drowsing or distraction. |
With this system, a warning light on the dashboard will light up if your tire pressure is low. You no longer have to get out of the car, crouch down, and struggle with the tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure. |
Augmented Reality User Manual
Allows you to use your phone to look at your car, 2D and 3D overlays will identify parts and link to information, and maintenance directions along with explanations of in-car features.
Voice Activated Controls
Operate many of the systems in your car using voice commands, such as navigation, audio, information systems, climate control, and your phone.
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