Volvo and other car manufacturers have been working on a number of safety systems that are designed to avoid accidents, whether it be another car or a pedestrian. These advanced safety systems are part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Volvo’s Innovative Approach to Safety
Volvo has long been a pioneer in automotive safety, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology to protect drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. Their commitment to safety is evident in their development of various systems such as Pedestrian Detection, which is specifically designed for urban environments where the risk of encountering pedestrians is high. This system uses a combination of radar and camera technology to identify pedestrians and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent.
Now, Volvo has announced that they are working on a new system in Australia which is designed to avoid kangaroos. This initiative is part of their broader effort to adapt their safety technologies to different environments and challenges around the world.
“Whereas Volvo Cars’ Pedestrian Detection technology is geared towards city driving, our kangaroo detection research is focusing on highway speed situations,” said Martin Magnusson, Senior Safety Engineer at Volvo Cars. “Kangaroos are very unpredictable animals and difficult to avoid, but we are confident we can refine our technology to detect them and avoid collisions on the highway.
“In Sweden we have done research involving larger, slower moving animals like moose, reindeer and cows which are a serious threat on our roads. Kangaroos are smaller than these animals and their behaviour is more erratic. This is why it’s important that we test and calibrate our technology on real kangaroos in their natural environment.”
The Challenge of Kangaroo Detection
Kangaroos present a unique challenge for automotive safety systems. Unlike larger animals such as moose or cows, kangaroos are smaller and their movements are more unpredictable. They can suddenly jump into the path of an oncoming vehicle, making it difficult for drivers to react in time. This unpredictability necessitates a highly sophisticated detection system that can quickly and accurately identify kangaroos and take appropriate action to avoid a collision.
Volvo’s kangaroo detection system is being tested in Australia, where kangaroo-related accidents are a significant concern. According to the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, kangaroos are involved in around 80% of animal-related vehicle collisions in the country. This statistic underscores the importance of developing effective safety systems to mitigate these incidents.
The technology being developed by Volvo uses a combination of radar and camera systems to detect kangaroos. The radar system identifies objects in the vehicle’s path, while the camera system provides detailed images that help the vehicle’s computer distinguish between different types of objects. When a kangaroo is detected, the system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision.
This research is part of Volvo’s broader Vision 2020 initiative, which aims to ensure that no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020. While this goal is ambitious, it reflects Volvo’s commitment to safety and innovation.
In addition to kangaroo detection, Volvo is also exploring other advanced safety technologies. For example, they are developing systems that can detect and avoid other types of wildlife, as well as systems that can communicate with other vehicles to share information about road conditions and potential hazards. These technologies represent the future of automotive safety, where vehicles are not only capable of protecting their occupants but also of preventing accidents before they occur.
You can find out more details about Volvo’s new Kangaroo avoidance system over at the company’s website at the link below.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.