Hyundai Mobis has developed a new safety technology that detects the risk of rear-end collisions on highways and automatically accelerates the vehicle to secure a safe distance after issuing a warning.
According to Hyundai Mobis, the new rear safety control system integrates rear-side radar and front-facing cameras with vehicle control systems. The technology was awarded the top prize at Hyundai Motor Group’s 2022 idea competition.
The system activates when the driver is using Smart Cruise Control (SCC) on the highway. If a following vehicle gets too close, within about 10 meters (approximately 0.0062 miles), the system first issues an audible alert and visual warning on the instrument cluster. If the risk persists, the vehicle automatically accelerates to widen the gap and maintain a safer distance, the company explained.
Some automakers have already deployed safety systems that respond to rear-end threats by issuing alerts or tightening seatbelts in preparation for impact. However, those features do not involve autonomous vehicle responses.
Hyundai Mobis has enhanced its technological competitiveness by enabling vehicles to autonomously adjust the distance between themselves and surrounding cars, allowing them to avoid dangerous situations proactively. The company plans to promote the new technology to both domestic and international automakers for potential mass production.
Hyundai Mobis also intends to expand further its autonomous control capabilities to support defensive driving against rear-end threats. In addition to automatic acceleration, the company is developing a lane-change function that enables the vehicle to steer itself away from dangerous situations.
The company aims to expand further its range of autonomous control features for defensive driving against rear-end collisions. In addition to the current acceleration control feature, they are developing functionality that automatically changes lanes to escape hazardous situations.
Jung Soo Kyung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Electronics Business Unit at Hyundai Mobis, stated, “We aim to proactively protect drivers by offering intelligent solutions that respond smartly to risks from both the front and rear of the vehicle during driving.”