Collision avoidance technology: from parking sensors to unmanned aircraft

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the sensors and techniques used in preventing the collision of moving vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of automobile‐guidance research projects carried out in European universities and advanced safety vehicle development by Japanese car manufacturers is followed by a description of driver assistance systems in current use. A new research initiative for autonomous unmanned aircraft is then discussed.

Findings

Fully‐autonomous prototype vehicles have demonstrated impressive feats on public roads, but car manufacturers are currently concentrating on driver assistance systems. Research is underway to extend the use of unmanned aircraft into the civil field, and to allow them to share airspace with piloted planes.

Originality/value

Presents current policies in automotive and aerospace development, and describes the range of sensor technologies applied to collision avoidance.

Citation

Connolly, C. (2007), "Collision avoidance technology: from parking sensors to unmanned aircraft", Sensor Review, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 182-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602280710758101