Skip to main content

Ford introduces night-time pedestrian detection

Ford is introducing technology that can automatically brake for pedestrians at night; the pedestrian detection system processes information from a radar located in the bumper and a windshield mounted camera; while a database of pedestrian shapes enables the system to distinguish people from objects such as trees and road signs. The camera delivers more than 30 snapshots every second and the video live-feed and viewing angle enables the system to pick out pedestrians, even in low-light conditions, illumin
March 17, 2017 Read time: 1 min
278 Ford is introducing technology that can automatically brake for pedestrians at night; the pedestrian detection system processes information from a radar located in the bumper and a windshield mounted camera; while a database of pedestrian shapes enables the system to distinguish people from objects such as trees and road signs.

The camera delivers more than 30 snapshots every second and the video live-feed and viewing angle enables the system to pick out pedestrians, even in low-light conditions, illuminated only by the headlights.

If the system detects an imminent collision with a pedestrian, it first provides audible and visual warnings to the driver. Should the driver not respond, the system automatically applies the brakes.

Later this year, the technology will be introduced on the next-generation Fiesta in Europe. In North America, the new technology will debut on the 2018 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford Mustang.

Related Content

  • May 14, 2013
    Driver assistance with stereo vision sensing system
    A new stereo vision sensing (SVS) system developed by automotive safety systems supplier Autoliv will, says the company, help vehicle manufacturers meet the new test criteria that EuroNCAP recently announced to promote autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed assist, lane departure assists and pedestrian protection. The system has a field of view of 50 degrees and can recognise objects within 120 metres. To provide the best view, the stereo vision cameras are mounted high on the front windshield behi
  • March 28, 2013
    Volvo’s new cars to get pedestrian and cyclist detection
    By tracking moving objects, a new system from Volvo could help prevent accidents. The system uses a camera embedded in a car’s rear view mirror, combined with a radar instrument in the grill to scan the road ahead. If it sees an object, an onboard computer will determine whether it is a cyclist or a pedestrian, and prepare to apply the brakes if someone swerves out into traffic or darts across road. Many cars already come with safety systems that will brake if a collision with another vehicle or a pedestria
  • April 10, 2014
    Smart cameras offer real-time alerts
    Intelligent traffic cameras open up a host of possibilities for traffic planners and controllers alike. If traffic management centres (TMCs) around the world are to cope with the increasing demands of growing traffic flows while maintaining or improving transport safety and efficiency, then video monitoring will have to be supplemented by automated warnings of incidents or deviations. According to Patrik Anderson, business development director at Swedish camera manufacturer Axis Communications, it is no
  • June 5, 2014
    Truvelo TRIMMS night-time speeds on unlit roads
    Truvelo UK’s new TRIMMS infrared illumination enables mobile speed enforcement in the dead of night. Lincolnshire is the UK’s fourth-largest county, has a population of over a million and is predominantly rural. Only 66km of its 8,893km road network is dual carriageway and 79% of the rest is ‘C’ class or unclassified roads. In terms of Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) figures, there were 415 casualties in 2013 (down from 526 in 2002). Official figures show inappropriate speed accounts for 25% of the UK’s