Automotive

Mercedes-Benz unveils Blind Spot Assist technology for trucks

Mercedes-Benz unveils Blind Spot Assist technology for trucks
Mercedes-Benz has developed a radar-based system that alerts the truck driver of imminent collision danger
Mercedes-Benz has developed a radar-based system that alerts the truck driver of imminent collision danger
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The system uses a radar sensor positioned just ahead of the rear axle
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The system uses a radar sensor positioned just ahead of the rear axle
Blind Spot Assist alerts the driver to dangers when turning corners
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Blind Spot Assist alerts the driver to dangers when turning corners
Mercedes-Benz has developed a radar-based system that alerts the truck driver of imminent collision danger
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Mercedes-Benz has developed a radar-based system that alerts the truck driver of imminent collision danger
Blind Spot Assist can help protect cyclists too
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Blind Spot Assist can help protect cyclists too
Truck drivers often lose sight of cyclists when turning
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Truck drivers often lose sight of cyclists when turning
Cyclists can be put in danger when in the blind spot of a truck
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Cyclists can be put in danger when in the blind spot of a truck
Blind Spot Assist also helps protect other road users
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Blind Spot Assist also helps protect other road users
Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
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Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
Blind Spot Assist takes into account the tractrix curve of a trailer truck
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Blind Spot Assist takes into account the tractrix curve of a trailer truck
A triangular LED lights if there is a possible hazard situation
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A triangular LED lights if there is a possible hazard situation
The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver by means of an optical signal
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The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver by means of an optical signal
If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
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If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
A triangular LED at eye level helps aid driver collision awareness
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A triangular LED at eye level helps aid driver collision awareness
Truck drivers can never be totally aware of potential collision hazards
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Truck drivers can never be totally aware of potential collision hazards
The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver by means of an optical signal
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The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver by means of an optical signal
If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
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If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
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Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
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If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
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Cyclist safety should be improved by the introduction of Blind Spot Assist for trucks
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The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver
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The system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver
Blind Spot Assist also helps protect other road users
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Blind Spot Assist also helps protect other road users
Truck drivers can never be totally aware of potential collision hazards
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Truck drivers can never be totally aware of potential collision hazards
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View gallery - 24 images

Trucks today are big and getting bigger, and even with cameras and superior spatial awareness, the operators of these leviathans can never be totally aware of potential collision hazards, especially when turning. To help alleviate this problem, Daimler, the truck division of Mercedes-Benz, has introduced a radar-based system that alerts the truck driver of imminent collision danger from anywhere on the entire unobservable portion of the vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz Blind Spot Assist system alerts the driver to dangers when turning corners – and, particularly cleverly – takes into account the tractrix curve (the curve along which the towed trailer moves under the influence of friction when pulled along horizontally) to warn of the danger of colliding with stationary objects such as bollards, power poles, or traffic lights if the vehicle continues on its projected path.

Importantly, the system also aids when changing lanes by alerting the driver by means of an optical signal if a moving object is present on the passenger side of the vehicle. Located in the A-pillar on the passenger side at eye level, a triangular LED lights-up if there is a possible hazard situation alongside the vehicle. If that hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound.

If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound
If a hazard becomes a collision risk, the LED will flash red and a warning buzzer will sound

To achieve all of this, the system uses a radar sensor positioned just ahead of the rear axle on the passenger side of the vehicle, and is aligned to scan the entire span of a truck or truck/trailer combination, up to – and including – two meters (6.5 ft) in front of the vehicle.

"The development of Blind Spot Assist is now finished from a technological standpoint," said Sven Ennerst, Head of Global Product Engineering and Procurement at Daimler Trucks. "At Daimler, we have always been concerned about trucks having collisions when turning corners. However, before we launch the system on the market, we first have to extensively test and validate it. This means that the system still has to undergo hundreds of thousands of kilometers of testing and to be adapted to a wide variety of vehicle variants…"

Of course, Blind Spot Assist for Mercedes-Benz motor cars – such as the CLA Class – has been available for some time, but the added features and operation of the version specifically for trucks involves a much greater set of testing and development.

No details as yet on when the first commercially-available truck will feature the Blind Spot Assist system.

Source: Daimler

View gallery - 24 images
1 comment
1 comment
James Ng
In general, Mercedes should move these technologies down the line faster. Hyundai new cars already equipped with all kind of driving assisting sensors, while a consumer would need to buy a S class to get these features. In the lower class, they nickel and dime these features. For lesser money and more safety features, it is a no brainer for consumer to get luxury with a new brand, and the Hyundai's design is very good too,