Improved Automatic Emergency Braking Performance, but Still Falling Short at High Speeds
In the ongoing quest for safer roads, the focus has shifted towards Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, particularly those designed for high-speed scenarios. These advanced safety features are designed to reduce severe highway collisions by enabling timely and effective automatic braking interventions.
Modern high-speed AEB systems are equipped with a combination of sensors, including radar, lidar, and high-resolution cameras, integrated with AI-based processing. This multi-sensor fusion provides 360-degree detection around the vehicle, ensuring reliable detection of vehicles, obstacles, pedestrians, and complex traffic scenarios at highway speeds. For instance, systems like Mobileye’s SuperVision employ 11 cameras with AI to analyse the environment in real-time.
The braking algorithms in these systems are also evolving. Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) algorithms are being optimised to adjust braking force between wheels and integrate predictive analytics that anticipate potential collisions before they become imminent. This improves vehicle stability and reduces stopping distances during emergency manoeuvres at high speeds.
The latest AEB developments are closely tied with AI-enhanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) components such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. This collective improvement in decision-making and hazard detection allows AEB to operate more reliably in complex traffic environments.
The push for high-speed AEB systems is supported by regulatory frameworks and growing industry investments. Increasing regulatory mandates globally, such as those from the EU and US NHTSA, are accelerating adoption and refinement of high-speed AEB systems to meet safety standards. Market growth projections indicate a strong demand and investment for high-speed AEB, driven by the need to reduce severe highway crashes.
In the realm of commercial and fleet applications, AI-based collision avoidance, leveraging telematics and smart dashcams, is enhancing fleet safety by providing real-time hazard alerts, improving driver response times, and integrating with braking systems to reduce severe incidents.
AAA, a leading advocate for road safety, has been testing the effectiveness of these systems. Their testing methodology includes driving early and late model vehicles from the same automaker on the same day to eliminate bias. AAA encourages automakers to improve high-speed AEB, prioritise earlier Forward Collision Warning alerts, and invest in R&D to enhance AEB performance.
AAA's tests showed that 2024 models nearly doubled collision avoidance rates compared to older models at speeds of 12, 25, and 35 mph. At 45 mph, three out of four vehicles avoided collisions, but none avoided them at 55 mph. This underscores the need for ongoing investment in research and development to improve the effectiveness of AEB systems at higher speeds.
It is crucial to remember that AEB systems are not a replacement for an attentive driver. Drivers should always stay alert, follow speed limits, keep their smartphone out of reach, and only drive when sober.
The NHTSA's upcoming 2029 rule requires AEB to avoid forward collisions at up to 62 mph. This regulatory push, combined with the advancements in AEB technology, promises a safer future on our roads.
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