New German technology could eliminate pedestrian fatalities
A Germany university is working on technology that allows cars to sense pedestrians, even if hidden from viewResearchers at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) in Germany have developed a new way for cars to "see" where pedestrians are, even if they are hidden from view.
This technology will see pedestrians carrying a transponder, which could be easily integrated into clothing or even installed inside mobile phones, which would broadcast a signal with its current location to nearby vehicles. The cars could then notify drivers of upcoming dangers and could even stop the car automatically if it thinks a collision will occur.
What differentiates this system, dubbed "Ko-TAG", from the radar-based technologies being tested in self-driving cars is the fact that it will allow vehicles to detect pedestrians and cyclists even if obstructed from view.
Such technology has the potential to become a huge boon for pedestrian safety.
Although cutting edge, we think a few wrinkles would need to be ironed out before mass implementation. For example, what would happen if someone were to drop their phone on the road, would traffic grind to a halt? What about if you motorists were to encounter a cyclist, would the system apply the brakes as you were trying to overtake? Also, how reliable and accurate is this system in the first place?
Professor Biebl, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at TUM, says that "With this, we achieved an accuracy in distance measurement of a few centimetres".
Biebl continues: "Together with the unique code-based process, this is the explanation for the exceptional performance and an important unique selling point of our system".
Will the next generation BMW 7 Series incorporate the new technology? It's unlikely, as new technologies require thorough testing before being implemented in consumer products, and this new "Ko-TAG" system is no exception.
Time will tell if we see this technology make it past the development stages. What do you think this is a viable direction for pedestrian safety? Have your say in the comments section below.
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