With an aim to develop a cost-effective and reliable collision detection system that can intelligently discriminate potential collisions and warn the driver with sufficient time for an intervention, the UK-based leading provider of vehicle safety systems Brigade Electronics has launched Sidescan Predict - the next generation of collision avoidance systems.
Supported by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative with Cambridge University, the system has undergone rigorous testing for more than seven years, including 10,000 hours of research.
According to the company, the Sidescan Predict had its first trials in 2020, receiving good driver feedback. For example, drivers noticed a significant reduction in the risk of collision with both vulnerable road users and static objects.
Through artificial intelligence, the system constantly gathers object detection data, such as the speed and distance or other vulnerable road user from the truck. Additional technology is embedded within the Sidescan Predict system to collect information such as the speed, direction, acceleration, and the turning rate of a vehicle.
This data feeds an algorithm created by Brigade to calculate the risk of a collision with cyclists and pedestrians who are nearby the vehicle.
Additionally, the system will always remain switched on when the vehicle's speed is below 22mph/30kph, regardless of the indicator selection, and the driver cannot deactivate.
Designed for most rigid body vehicles, including rigid box vehicles, tippers, mixers, coaches and buses with a minimum length of 5.2m, the system comprises six sensors with a detection area of 2.5 metres, compared to the industry standard 1m to 1.5m. These features help to reduce the risk of fatalities by an additional 84%.
An auto-brightness feature adapts Sidescan Predict to lighting conditions in the cabin, so the visual alert is not lost among the numerous lights present in a modern cab.
Retrofit
The system is designed for retrofitment in existing vehicles, and the configuration software, a key USP, provides multiple system tests to ensure the sensors are appropriately positioned and correctly fitted for additional peace of mind.
An in-cab visual alert indicates if the system has a failure. Installation time is approximately six hours and integrates with other Brigade systems to provide a complete solution. Additional speed and indicator switches are not required, which reduces system and installation costs.
Corey Heniser, CEO, Brigade Electronics, said, 'Unlike existing systems, which simply register the presence of a potential obstacle, Sidescan Predict is constantly gathering data in a vehicle's vicinity. This provides additional benefits to operators by significantly reducing false alarms and increasing confidence in the accuracy of warning alerts. We are confident that it will make a positive impact to road and worksite safety and preventing fatalities.'