Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is an advanced safety system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions by automatically applying the vehicle's brakes in critical situations. This technology is one of the cornerstones of modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and works by integrating sensors, cameras, radar and advanced software to constantly monitor the vehicle's surroundings.
Key Components of AEB
- Sensors and cameras: Installed at strategic points around the vehicle, these devices detect obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists, providing real-time data on the driving context.
- Radar: Used to measure the distance from the vehicle in front and its speed, radar is essential for calculating the risk of collision.
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU): This component processes the data received from the sensors and radar, evaluating the need to automatically intervene on the brakes.
How AEB works
The process by which AEB prevents collisions or reduces their impact can be divided into several stages:
- Detection: Sensors, cameras and radar continuously monitor the area around the vehicle, detecting potential obstacles in its path.
- Risk Assessment: The ECU analyses the collected data to determine the probability of a collision, considering variables such as the vehicle's speed, distance from the obstacle and its approach speed.
- Driver warning: If a risk of collision is detected, the system may first attempt to warn the driver by means of visual or audible signals or, in some cases, by vibrating the steering wheel or seat.
- Braking activation: If the driver does not respond to warnings and a collision appears imminent, AEB automatically activates the brakes. This can happen in fractions of a second, often faster than a human can react.
- Post-collision: Some AEB systems are also designed to help manage the vehicle after an impact, further reducing the risk of damage or injury.
Types of AEB
There are several versions of the AEB system, each focused on specific driving scenarios:
- AEB Urban: Optimised for low speeds, typical of urban environments, where pedestrians and cyclists are more at risk.
- AEB Interurban: Designed to operate at higher speeds, typical of motorways, where accidents can have more serious consequences.
- AEB for Pedestrians: Specializes in detecting pedestrians crossing the road or in the path of the vehicle.
Benefits and Limitations
AEB has been proven to significantly reduce the number of frontal collisions, saving lives and preventing injuries. However, as with any technology, there are limitations. The accuracy of the system can be affected by adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog or snow, and by obstacles that block the sensors. Additionally, the detection capability of AEB may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific vehicle model.
Automatic emergency braking is one of the most promising technologies for improving road safety. As ADAS systems continue to evolve, we are likely to see further improvements in the effectiveness of AEB, helping to further reduce road accidents and save more lives.
