The Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB - Automatic Emergency Braking) is one of the most important innovations in the automotive industry, designed to enhance vehicle safety and reduce the risk of accidents. This system detects potential collisions and automatically intervenes when it judges that a collision is unavoidable, slowing down or bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
1How It Detects Potential Collisions
AEB uses a series of sensors, cameras and radars mounted on the front of the vehicle to constantly monitor the road ahead. Its operation is based on three main technologies:
- Radar: It ensures that the system can detect objects at long distances and accurately, even in low visibility conditions such as darkness or fog.
- Cameras: They provide the system with visual information, helping it recognize the types of objects, such as pedestrians, vehicles or cyclists.
- Infrared or laser sensors (LiDAR): They are used to more accurately measure distance and to estimate the speed of objects in front of the vehicle.
AEB processes the data from these sensors in real time, constantly assessing the distance, speed and direction of the vehicle in relation to objects in front of it. If the system detects that there is a risk of a collision and the driver does not react in time, AEB is activated automatically.
2AEB Operation and Accident Prevention Examples
AEB works in several stages to prevent or mitigate a collision:
- Warning to the Driver: When the system detects that a collision is likely, it first emits an audible or visual warning to the driver, prompting them to take action.
- Preparing the Brakes: If the driver does not react to the warning, the system prepares the brakes to reduce the stopping distance by increasing brake pressure.
- Automatic Brake Activation: If a collision seems imminent, the system automatically applies the brakes at maximum power, reducing speed or bringing the vehicle to a complete stop to prevent or reduce the severity of the collision.
Examples of Accident Prevention:
- City: In congested city traffic, when a vehicle in front brakes suddenly, AEB can be activated and prevent a collision. This has proven to be particularly useful in the case of "rollover" accidents.
- Highway: At higher speeds, AEB can reduce the vehicle's speed before a potential collision with a suddenly decelerating vehicle in front, reducing the chance of serious injury.
- Pedestrians: Many AEB systems are now able to detect pedestrians as well. If a pedestrian suddenly crosses the road, AEB can apply the brakes, reducing or preventing a potential collision.