Many mass-market vehicles include sensors and cameras to assist motorists with parking and backing up, and some models even include lane change assist and smart cruise control to maintain a safe distance from traffic ahead. According to IHS Automotive, the demand for collision avoidance technology is predicted to nearly triple from $3.94 billion this year to $9.90 billion in 2020.
With more manufacturers incorporating collision avoidance systems into their vehicles, the suppliers of these components continue to announce new partnerships. Bosch's long-range radar sensor and electronic stability program technology will be incorporated into the 2015 Chrysler 200. Delphi Automotive announced the Volvo XC90, debuting at the Mondial de l'Automobile, will utilize its Radar and Camera Sensor Fusion System and will have automatic braking at stoplights.
Now, Volvo has announced a 360 degree sensor and vision system that helps the driver navigate a collision free escape route by taking control of the steering or braking. Volvo's Sensor Fusion framework "enables the various technologies—cameras, radar, lidar, GPS, etc.—to share information efficiently." Google's driverless car also utilizes a lidar system, although the high cost, among other factors, is an obstacle to incorporating the system into mass-market vehicles.
As collision-avoidance technologies continue to develop and are incorporated into more mass-market vehicles, consumers may become more accustomed to the idea of increasingly automated and even fully autonomous vehicles on the road.
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