Keep your eyes peeled for the new 2013 Cadillac XTS – which will include the first application of a Driver Assistance Package from General Motors, using sensor fusion.
The new system uses heterogeneous sensors and positioning technologies to aid drivers in their efforts to avoid crashes by pinpointing road hazards. It is seen as a significant milestone towards the development of self-driving vehicles and, thanks to the use of ultrasonic sensors, radar and cameras, it features a number of advanced safety features including: full-speed range adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist, safety alert seat, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic collision preparation and adaptive forward lighting.
According to Bakhtiar Litkouhi, the GM research and development lab group manager, sensor fusion enables future active safety systems to handle a greater number of inputs including 360 degrees of crash risk detection. He believes it will help drivers avoid collisions and save lives.
Sensor fusion is another step towards semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles that are designed to maintain lane position and adapt to their environment. However, it is only one of many technologies being used by GM in its efforts to boost safety.
Another is LIDAR, a light detecting and ranging technology that can measure the distance to a vehicle or object by illuminating it. It is believed it could effectively act as another set of eyes when visibility has deteriorated due to bad weather or darkness.
