Honda is introducing the next generation of its driver-assist technology. The system combines new tricks with existing ones in a unified package called Honda Sensing, which will debut in the Japanese-market Honda Legend (called the Acura RLX in the US) before the end of the year.
Honda Sensing relies primarily on two inputs, a forward-facing monocular camera mounted between the windshield and the the rear-view mirror. A new millimeter-wave radar sits in the grille and works in conjunction with the camera. Not only does the system detect pedestrians in front of the car, but on the road’s sidelines as well. If the car detects that the driver is veering towards a bystander, the audio and visual warnings and will auto-correct the steering. Honda claims this is a world’s first on a production vehicle.
As expected, the system also includes lane keeping and lane departure mitigation warnings as well, and can apply corrective steering and braking in addition to warning beeps, lights and vibrations.
The system encompasses existing technologies as well, applying the brakes if a collision is impending, or if a “false start” is detected, in which the accelerator is pressed when an object is in front of the car. On the flip side, it will also alert the driver when the car in front has departed from a standstill. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and traffic sign recognition are part of the package as well.
Honda Sensing was developed under new safety directives at the company, which has made what it calls a “collision-free society” a priority. After the Legend, the system will trickle down into other models.
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