A vehicle that “understands” the road, but also its driver. Including the most unpredictable of them?
Volvo announced a new all-electric SUV a few hours ago. Named “EX90”, it is the successor to the XC90. This vehicle marks the entry into a ” new era ” in terms of security, according to the brand, which evokes, among other joys, a “ invisible shield surrounding the vehicle. Well, don’t imagine Star Wars-style deflector shields either…
A first look before the full presentation on November 9
15 years ago, in 2007, Volvo set itself a goal: that no one be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo. To achieve this objective, the company relies, like many others, on technology, but also on the control of human behavior likely to cause accidents (drunkenness, speeding, etc.)
The EX90 SUV, featured in the video below by Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo, pushes the safety slider to the next level: it’s the safest Volvo SUV ever. With this model, Volvo aims to offer a vehicle that does not have ” no longer just an accurate understanding of the road “, but also of the driver.
The full presentation of the vehicle is scheduled for the fall, November 9 to be precise, but Volvo has already released some details.
A vehicle that monitors the road, but also the driver
No revolution concerning the technology deployed: we find a classic LiDAR system (laser remote sensing), but of new generation.
It has five radars, eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors. Controlled by software, all these devices work in synergy to form a “shield”.
Inside the vehicle, two sensors and a capacitive-sensing steering wheel transmit information to the software about the driver’s state. If the system detects signs of drowsiness or distraction, it may intervene. An intervention ranging from a simple warning to the driver to stopping the vehicle “safely” and calling for help.
The promise of fewer accidents
You will agree, for the moment, the criteria and parameters of this second device are quite vague. Hopefully the company will release more details in the coming weeks.
On the other hand, regarding the LiDAR system, Jim Rowan gives concrete examples of its capabilities. It is able to detect a tire 120 meters away at night, or a pedestrian 250 meters away, at a speed of 120 km/h.
According to Volvo’s forecasts, this LiDAR system should make it possible to reduce the number of serious or fatal accidents by 20% and collisions by 9%, initially.
Source : Volvo
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