The Ford Motor Company is joining an ever-growing list of car companies adding automated-driving features to their vehicles.
In a press release, Ford introduced on Thursday "pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection" technology. The system scans the road ahead using a windshield-mounted camera and radar system, and compares what it sees to “a database of pedestrian shapes to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects,” the company claims.
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If the system detects a pedestrian in front of the vehicle, and determines that a collision is likely, it alerts the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond to the alert, the system goes one step further. First, it improves brake responsiveness by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. Then, the vehicle slows down, and applies the brakes automatically.
Ford says the technology aims to either reduce the severity of a collision, or prevent it entirely.
The system was tested both on closed test tracks and on roads around the world. “We covered more than 300,000 miles on three continents that included a wide range of settings and situations,” said Scott Lindstrom, Ford manager of driver assist technologies.
This isn't the first time we've seen collision-detection technology. The 2014 Lexus LS touted a complete stop at up to 24 mph if it detected a pedestrian. And Volvo has promised complete stops at up to 22 mph since early 2010.
The 2015 Ford Mondeo, which goes on sale in Europe this year, will be the first vehicle to feature the pre-collision assist technology.