Volvo’s 360-Degree Collision Avoidance Sensor System

Volvo has gotten still closer to its goal of zero fatal accidents by 2020 in its vehicles. The latest development is 360-degree view technology that helps locate collision-free escape routes, in the event of a potential accident. This latest technology from Volvo comes under the umbrella of its Non-Hit Car and Truck project.

The 360-degree view technology is the result of a Swedish project four years in the making, which is expected the conclude in December this year. Part of the project were researchers from institutions including Volvo Cars, AB Volvo, ÄF Group, HiQ, Mecel and Chalmers University of Technology, with the mission being reduction in safety risks for passenger cars and commercial vehicles through new safety technologies.

The team created advanced sensor fusion technology that work together to provide a seamless 360-degree view around a car, linking a ‘centralised fusion framework' with various systems like cameras, radar, lidar, GPS, etc. to share information. The system helps drivers by detecting potential threats that would otherwise be non-recognisable.

Two prototypes have already been built, so expect this system to be implemented in Volvo vehicles in the near future. Kudos, Volvo. Staying on top of the safety game for this long is truly commendable, and here's to achieving the 2020 goal.