What is AEB?
Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) is a vehicle safety technology has the potential to prevent a crash or reduce the impact speed of a crash.
AEB can:
- Alert the driver to an imminent crash and help them use the maximum braking capacity of the car and
- Apply the brakes independently of the driver if the situation becomes critical
It is important to note that AEB systems are designed to support the driver only in emergency situations and that the driver remains responsible for the vehicle at all times.
AEB systems use sensors, radar, laser or cameras to monitor for risk and detect potential collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or hazards.
Although AEB systems vary in their functionality, most systems will provide a warning (audible and/or visual) to the driver. AEB systems will also intervene and brake the vehicle automatically if the driver does not respond. Some systems will also charge the brakes in order to provide the most efficient braking and prepare the vehicle for collision by pre-tensioning the seatbelts.
Some AEB systems deactivate if they detect avoidance action being taken by the driver.
Crash avoidance systems can be classified into three main categories:
- Low Speed system – this version targets city driving where crashes often occur at low speeds but can cause debilitating injury such as whiplash injuries. Typically, these systems look for the reflectivity of other vehicles and are not as sensitive to pedestrians or roadside objects.
- Higher Speed system – this version typically utilises long range radar to scan further ahead of the vehicle (up to 200 metres) at higher speeds.
- Pedestrians – these versions use a camera combined with radar to detect vulnerable road users through their shape and characteristics. The way in which pedestrians move relative to the path of the vehicle is calculated to determine whether they are in danger of being struck.
These three systems of AEB are not mutually exclusive and there are vehicles that may have two or more versions. It is important to note that within each type of system there will also be variation in functionality depending on the manufacturer and even car model (in terms of warnings, braking function, time-to-collision etc.,).
Alternative names for AEB
- Pre Sense Plus (Audi)
- Driving Assistant Plus (BMW)
- Active City Stop (Ford)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (Honda)
- Pre-collision Safety System with Brake Assist (Lexus)
- Smart City Brake Support (Mazda)
- PRE-SAFE Brake (Mercedes-Benz)
- City Collision Mitigation (Mini)
- Forward Collision Mitigation (Mitsubishi)
- Pre-Collision Braking System (Eyesight) (Subaru)
- Pre-Crash Safety System (Toyota)
- City Emergency Braking (Volkswagen)
- City Safety (Volvo)
Source: Howsafeisyourcar