Volve launched a new pedestrian-detection technology towards the end of last month, at IAA 2016 in Hannover, where they are taking steps to improve pedestrian safety on the streets. They are looking to introduce the new technology into Volvo’s European city bus fleet in 2017.
The new technology uses a camera to monitor the outer vicinity of the bus, looking for pedestrians. It makes use of a warning sound when such pedestrians are detected, to let them know it is coming. If the risk becomes further, it will trigger the busses horn to sound. The driver is also alerted using lights and sound.
“The bus can be heard – but without being disruptive. We’ve solved this problem by developing a synthetic background sound with a frequency range that is not perceived as disruptive. For instance, it does not penetrate windows with triple glazing, unlike the low-frequency noise made by a diesel engine,” explains Peter Danielsson, Director Vehicle Features and Safety at Volvo Buses.
They hope for this to improve the safety of their bus fleet since the new electric buses in use run so much quieter than the diesel buses we have been so used to in the past.
Until it’s release into production next year, they will continue to perform testing of both this technology as well as others they are looking to make use of to improve road safety with.
