Volvo Buses unveils life-saving safety technology for unprotected road-users

Volvo Buses is taking steps to reduce the 1.25 million annual road traffic deaths by unveiling a pedestrian and cyclist detection system, unique to the bus industry. Launching at the IAA in Hannover, the system will be introduced on Volvo’s European city bus fleet in 2017.

“Accidents involving buses and unprotected road-users seldom occur, but when they do the consequences may be very serious. In order to minimise the risks, it is important that drivers and anyone moving around near buses – such as at bus stops and pedestrian crossings – pays close attention to the traffic. In this context the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System offers excellent support,” says Peter Danielsson, Director Vehicle Features and Safety at Volvo Buses.

The Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System continuously monitors the bus’s vicinity using a camera. When the system detects unprotected road-users near the bus, it transmits a sound to warn other road-users that the bus is approaching. At the same time, the driver is alerted via sound and light signals inside the vehicle. If there is an imminent risk of an incident, the bus’s horn is activated.

“Several of the components in our system are based on the same tried and tested technology found in many cars. But we are the only vehicle manufacturer to offer a solution that simultaneously notifies both driver and unprotected road-user,” says Peter Danielsson.

Volvo Buses’ introduction of this type of warning system is part of the company’s electromobility drive. As the proportion of electrified vehicles in urban traffic continues to grow, exhaust fumes and noise continue to disappear. At the same time, however, it is important to also eliminate any risks that might arise as the vehicles in the urban environment operate much more quietly.

“The bus can be heard – but without being disruptive. We’ve solved this problem by developing a synthetic background sound with a frequency range that is not perceived as disruptive. For instance, it does not penetrate windows with triple glazing, unlike the low-frequency noise made by a diesel engine,” explains Peter Danielsson.

This autumn, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System will become operational in field tests on route 55 in Gothenburg. At IAA the new system will be unveiled together with several other Volvo safety innovations, such as Volvo Dynamic Steering, Collision Warning and Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping Support.

Facts, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System

• Introduced on Volvo’s city buses for Europe in 2017.
• Consists of a camera, image-processing system and algorithms for detection of pedestrians and cyclists. Driver alert with light and sound signals. External synthetic background sound, amplifier and speaker.
• Meets the minimum noise level demands that will be introduced for electrified vehicles in the EU in 2019.
• At speeds below 50 km/h, a bus running on electricity is far quieter than a diesel-powered bus. At higher speeds, most of the noise is caused by friction between the tyres and road surface.

About Volvo Buses

Volvo Buses is a leading manufacturer of buses and coaches. With R&D centres in Europe, Asia and the Americas we reinforce our global offers with local expertise and presence.

Throughout our entire organisation we focus on Volvo’s core values: Quality, Safety and Care for the Environment and we express this in the brand promise Driving Quality of Life.

Our success in bringing hybrid technology and electric propulsion to the market is an evidence our leadership and competence in this field.

Transporting people means a certain responsibility in terms of safety and here Volvo has a solid reputation. New features and systems are continuously introduced and our R&D plan for safety technology stretches over decades.

In total we are more than 7,000 dedicated people, annually delivering more than 10,000 vehicles, all of them in the class over 12 tonnes. We are active all over the world and our service network includes more than 140 countries