A number of manufacturers are working on various self-driving cars, and now BMW has shown off their new BMW Active Assist at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show.
BMW Active Assist is a limited self-driving system that is designed to take control of your vehicle in certain situations and make driving safer.
The BMW Group has created a new kind of research prototype for highly automated driving which uses advanced control technology to demonstrate maximum safety up to the car’s dynamic limit.
In addition, the prototype vehicle will highlight the effectiveness of a new generation of control systems on the closed-off track. These systems actively intervene in the direction-changing decision-making process and ensure the electronically controlled steering works in perfect harmony with the brakes and accelerator. As such, they go a crucial step further than current systems, which react to the onset of understeer or oversteer with carefully calculated braking inputs.
Advanced Control Technology
The BMW Active Assist system is a significant leap forward in automotive technology. Unlike traditional driver assistance systems that only provide alerts or minor corrections, BMW Active Assist can take full control of the vehicle in critical situations. This includes scenarios where the car might skid or lose traction. The system uses a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to monitor the car’s surroundings and internal dynamics continuously. When it detects a potential loss of control, it can intervene by adjusting the steering, brakes, and accelerator to stabilize the vehicle.
For example, if the car begins to understeer while taking a sharp turn, the system can apply the brakes to individual wheels to help the car regain its intended path. Similarly, in an oversteer situation, it can reduce engine power and apply the brakes to prevent the car from spinning out. This level of intervention is designed to enhance safety, especially in adverse weather conditions or during high-speed maneuvers.
Real-World Applications and Future Prospects
The video below shows BMW’s new 2 series traveling around a race track, and you can see the system take over from the person driving the car.
While the current iteration of BMW Active Assist is showcased on a closed track, the implications for everyday driving are profound. In urban environments, where traffic congestion and unpredictable driving behaviors are common, such a system could significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. For instance, in stop-and-go traffic, the system could manage the car’s speed and distance from other vehicles, reducing the stress on the driver and minimizing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Moreover, BMW’s research into highly automated driving is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry. Companies like Tesla, Google, and Uber are also investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technology. The ultimate goal is to create fully autonomous cars that can navigate complex environments without human intervention. While we are still a few years away from this reality, systems like BMW Active Assist represent important milestones on this journey.
In addition to safety, autonomous driving technology promises to bring other benefits, such as improved fuel efficiency and reduced traffic congestion. By optimizing driving patterns and reducing the need for sudden stops and starts, these systems can help lower fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, with cars communicating with each other and with traffic infrastructure, we could see a future where traffic flows more smoothly, reducing travel times and improving overall road efficiency.
Source
Video Credit AutoweekUSA/ YouTube
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