Volvo are pioneering cyclist and pedestrian detection technology
Volvo are pioneering cyclist and pedestrian detection technology
This week we’ve been looking at the coolest and most cutting edge car technologies of recent times. Take a look at our countdown but be prepared to feel some major tech-envy mixed in with your amazement!
This radar is able to recognise pedestrians and cyclists who have swerved out in front of the car. When this occurs, the brakes are automatically applied.
Volvo has always been renowned for their safety features but their latest plans, unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, are truly groundbreaking.
Considering that 50% of all European cyclist deaths have taken place following a collision with a vehicle, this technology could drastically improve accident statistics and make roads safer.
This suite of safety systems is available on new 2015 S60 models equipped with the technology package, which we think is a great addition to the Volvo safety package.
Perhaps you haven’t heard but being able to see your car door handles is so last year! Ones such as those on the Jaguar above look virtually invisible until you press them in and they pop out. This may seem like a simple concept but we think they dramatically improve a car’s appearance and make it look extra special.
Hidden door handles are featured on the Jaguar F-Type, Fiat Barchetta and Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona to name a few. Unfortunately you might have to do some serious saving if you're wanting one of those models!
Ah the humble parallel park; a relentless challenge and frustration for many drivers, old and new. Many drivers try to avoid parallel parking altogether, but there’ll be no need to worry about perfecting that now when your car can do all the legwork for you!
Whilst the initial version developed by Toyota struggled to detect small objects such as prams and cats, later versions are far more accurate and are available from a number of manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Ford and BMW.
This fantastic technology looks set to improve road safety by sending data wirelessly between automobiles.
This may include speed, location, direction of travel, braking, and loss of stability. Overall, a greater insight is achieved and driving will be made more convenient.
For example, messages can be sent concerning road accidents, traffic diversions and congestion. You could change your route to avoid traffic jams and stay ahead of the game.
We also think it will help Brits to beat the famous ‘road rage’ and turn us into a nation of cool, calm and collected motorists. Wishful thinking perhaps…
In an age where we constantly have our smart phones glued to our hands but always forget to pack our chargers to replenish our exhausted batteries; this could be a useful technology.
Delphi has been developing it since 2004 and word on the street is; it’s almost ready. It looks set to charge your device as soon as you enter the car at a similar speed to most wall plug-in chargers so you can happily connect your AUX up and sing along to all your favourite tunes on your way home from work!
If you’ve ever stood at the side of the road freezing and praying that a kind passer-by stops to assist you with your flat tyre then this is the technology for you!
Thanks to their combination of thermoplastic-resin spokes and recycled material, these tyres cannot puncture and require less maintenance as there is no need to periodically fill them with air. Whilst Bridgestone’s efforts are still just a concept, Polaris currently offers airless tyres for all terrain vehicles.
Find out more about airless tyres here.
Have you ever been distracted at the lights and suddenly three cars are furiously beeping their horns at you to move through the green light? No judgment here – it happens to the best of us. But ‘traffic light daydream syndrome’ could soon be a thing of the past with this cool technology.
The system counts down the seconds until the red light changes and can also calculate (within reason) the speed you would need to travel at to make it through the green/amber you are approaching.
The technology could reduce CO2 emissions by 15%, as there would be less waste caused by cars standing still. Not only is this good for the environment, but it could save you a few fuel pennies too!
Audi is the pioneer with this technology, which they have announced is ready for market, and currently being trialled in Berlin.
