Eye on the road

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European researchers have developed new automotive technology to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

European researchers have developed new automotive technology to protect vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists.

The EU-funded WATCH-OVER project is expected to produce a bespoke system that prevents accidents by using highly advanced sensing systems that track road users.

The system has been realised in two versions. One pre-crash version uses a stereo camera system. The other version uses a warning system that includes a mono-camera combined with communications technologies.

Sensors are effective for pre-crash systems, which usually kick in just seconds before impact. But to track vulnerable road users further away, sensors are not enough. It is essential to back sensors up with other technologies such as communications.

‘This is vital because camera-based systems cannot see around corners, for example,’ explained project coordinator Luisa Andreone, of Centro Ricerche Fiat, the research and development centre for Fiat.

The WATCH-OVER team believes the strength of the warning system lies in its cooperative nature - drivers and other road users effectively working together. The VRUs achieve this by carrying or wearing a transmission device that alerts vehicles of their presence.

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