Volvo Trucks has developed a new technology that can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents caused by a limited field of vision.
The new technology developed by Volvo enables a vehicle to do a 360o scan of everything in its surroundings. The vehicle evaluates information from multiple sources simultaneously, functioning much like the human mind does, and suggests actions to avoid any incidents.

The technology is the result of a unique research project called Non-Hit Car and Truck, in cooperation with Volvo Cars. For the first time ever, it is possible to enable a vehicle to register and evaluate everything that is happening in its surroundings and suggest actions to avoid accidents, such as collisions with pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles. If the driver does not respond to the suggested actions, the steering or braking system can be activated autonomously.

?Our vision for traffic safety is to have no accidents involving Volvo trucks,? says Carl Johan Almqvist, Director - Traffic and Product Safety, Volvo Trucks. ?This unique technology has taken us yet another step towards our vision and will hopefully save many lives in the future.?

Virtual co-driver
The main component in this technology is a data platform that fuses the sensory input from cameras, radars and other sensors positioned on all sides of the vehicle. It enables the truck to perform a 360o scan of its surroundings every 25 millisecond. All the data input are interpreted, risk situations are analysed and different route options for the vehicle are generated. By combining several sensory systems, the technology can distinguish and identify different road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles. It can sense both their distance and direction.

?The technology can predict traffic scenarios up to five second ahead, depending on the speed of the objects, and map out the best plan of action,? says Mansour Keshavarz, Systems Engineer, Volvo Trucks, who has worked with the technology. ?In many ways the technology serves as a co-driver - but one that can see all around the vehicle. It can also alert the driver to things that are happening so that he or she can react, for example, by warning with an alarm signal or braking to avoid a collision.?

Challenges ahead
The technology is not yet ready to be applied in a commercial safety system. Compared to vehicle automation in cars, there are specific challenges to overcome when developing this type of technology for heavy vehicles.

?Trucks are different type of vehicles and do not act the same way as cars in traffic. Each truck is loaded differently, for example, and their large size prevents them from carrying out severe avoidance manoeuvres - such as swerving quickly to avoid a collision.

So it is important to research and develop technology specifically for trucks,? says Keshavarz.

Market introduction can take place within five to ten years, according to Almqvist. ?We have the main components in place but we need to do a lot more testing in order to make sure that the system is fault-free. If we manage to solve these challenges, a future without truck accidents is within reach.?