Intelligent driving
Human error accounts for most road accidents but with the advent of technology in cars, many of these errors can be minimised. Abhik Das takes an in depth look into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Reaction times for humans aren’t created equally. As we are all conditioned differently, our response to sudden actions and scenarios can vastly differ. And more often than not, human error is the cause of accidents. Although, understandably, human errors cannot be completely eliminated but can be minimised by using current technologies to assist with sensory perception. This is where technology can come in to equalise everyone driving/riding on the road and this is where Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) come into play. A vital collective of technologies formerly reserved for high-end cars only, is now trickling down to affordable price points enabling more manufacturers to offer them thus making roads and its users safer. With cars like the new Mahindra XUV700, the MG Astor and Gloster too getting ADAS, we wanted to delve deeper into the tech to know just how it works. So here are some questions we address about this revolutionary new system.
WHAT IS ADAS?
To put it simply, ADAS comprises of cameras and radar-based sensors to make a vehicle and its driver aware of the surroundings that they’re operating in. In doing so, the cameras and sensors pick up inputs relating to other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, obstacles and lanes among other things to determine the relative position of the vehicle they’re attached to. These inputs also calculate the speed of the vehicle in relation to all the other variables listed to maintain a safe distance or compensate for changes, applying emergency brakes if needed or even prompt steering to keep within lanes among other functions.
DOES THIS MEAN, A CAR WITH ADAS CAN DRIVE ITSELF?
ADAS is divided into six levels of automation that varies from warnings only to partial autonomous control to the highest level that allows fully autonomous operation of the vehicle. Basic assistance features like parking sensors, surround-view cameras, traffic
sign recognition, lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, forward-collision warning and any other assistance system that bases the final decision of action on the driver is classified as Level 1. In short, any warning system that alerts a driver of a possible object, obstruction, errors such as veering away from a lane is the basic level of an advanced driver assistance system.
Level 1 and 2 take over some functions like emergency braking when warnings are ignored, steering correction if lane departure is detected and similar functions. The system still uses Level 0 warnings, relying first on human desicion making but is programmed to assist with intervention. The difference between Level 1 and Level 2 is that the former can only take over one function while the latter can control multiple functions. Adaptive Cruise Control would be an example of Level 1 autonomy while autonomous parking would be classified as Level 2 autonomy. The surrent crop of cars avail-
able in India offer Level 0 to Level 2 ADAS features. These features don’t vary according to price as we’ve tested various cars like the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S with just basic warnings while the new Skoda Slavia offers multi-collision braking assistance and the Mahindra XUV offering upto Level 2 automation of ADAS functions. At present, these systems aren’t mandated by law or standardised but there is a need for standardisation of these systems so they can work effectively in a variety of conditions.
Level 3 upwards onto Level 5 offers advanced to fully autonomous driving where human intervention is minimal or not required at all and the decision making rests
MANUFACTURERS USE AUDIO WARNINGS AS WELL AS AN INDICATOR ON THE ORVMS TO TELL YOU OF A POSSIBLE OBJECT WHILE CHANGING LANES
upon the system within preset parameters or even AI enabled actions. These features are currently under development and some of the features have not yet made it to widespread commercial use.
WHAT ARE THE ADAS FUNCTIONALITIES IN CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SYSTEM?
Depending on the level of functionality and tech offered by the manufacturer, you can expect the following features in a modern car with ADAS -
1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Just like regular cruise control, only intelligent. Upon setting the ACC control on, the system uses the front cameras and sensors to gauge the distance from the vehicle ahead and accordingly adjust the vehicle speed. If the vehicle in front gives way and there’s a clear path ahead then the vehicle will ac