TRW Automotive has demonstrated its semi-automated driving capabilities at a test track event in Michigan.
Drivers experienced a ‘highway driving assist’ feature, which can enable automatic steering, braking and acceleration for highway speeds above 25mph.
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Peter Lake, who heads sales and business development at TRW, said: “Progress towards semi-automated and automated driving has gained huge momentum over the last 12 months to 18 months as the industry is recognising the vast benefits it could deliver. For example, with distracted driving becoming a major concern and the majority of accidents being caused by human error, semi-automated systems could help to reduce fatalities and enhance the safety of passengers and other road users.”
“The first steps have already been taken to introduce semi-automated features such as traffic jam assist on production vehicles but we believe it will be some time before fully autonomous cars become commonplace. There is still a lot of work to be done, including determining legislative frameworks. We’re following a building block approach showcasing what is achievable today using proven technology.”
The demonstration vehicle integrates the AC1000 radar and next generation camera prototype together with its electrically powered steering belt drive (EPS BD) and electronic stability control EBC 460 – the combination of adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centring assist (LCA) functionalities. The ACC keeps the vehicle at a set speed until a slower vehicle appears in front or if another car cuts across the lane. It then automatically accelerates and/or brakes the vehicle to keep a driver-selected gap (constant time interval) behind the slower vehicle. At the same time, the forward looking camera keeps the car in the centre of the lane. The driver can easily override the system at any time.
Lake said: “The prototype vehicle represents a milestone in systems integration – one of our core capabilities as the only complete safety systems supplier worldwide. The beauty of these technologies is their flexible, or scalable nature – the same sensing hardware can be used for different functions to suit vehicle manufacturer requirements. For example, the driver assist hardware on the vehicle could also enable emergency steering assist functionality.
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By GlobalData“At a later stage, we’ll be showcasing a 360 degree sensor system which will also enable vehicles to overtake automatically (lane change control). The next decade represents a huge opportunity to improve not only the driving experience, but fundamentally road safety.”
