WIRED 30

What is ADAS?

Opportunity of more profits for the workshop

N inety five percent of all new car models tested by the European New Car Assessment Program in 2015 were already fitted with autonomous emergency braking. Vehicle systems that help the driver are nothing new. Ever since the 1960s, servo-assisted steering and braking have made driving more comfortable and convenient. The term "driver assistance systems" really only caught on with the increase in ‘smart’ control. Examples of these are Anti-lock braking systems, (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), windshield wipers with rain sensors, and speed-sensitive power steering. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as the name suggests are ‘even smarter’, reacting both to the driver, and to external events, and playing an active part almost like an independent third party in controlling the vehicle in the interests of increased safety. Examples of advanced driver assistance systems are: • Adaptive Cruise Control and Start-Stop System • Automatically maintains a specific distance from the • vehicle ahead. • Emergency Brake Assist Increases braking • appropriately to perceived conditions if the driver's • braking is sluggish

• (Active) Lane Tracking Assistant Helps drivers keep their vehicles in the same lane. May also include an enhanced capability to optimise steering input during quick avoidance manoeuvers, and an active capability to apply gentle corrective measures all by itself. These systems all use cameras and radar sensors, which need calibrating • After radar or camera replacement or dismantling/ • installation • After post-accident repairs to the body geometry • After changes to the vehicle level at the front or • rear axle • After a suspected impact on the sensor • If the electronic control unit detects a calibration is required • After the unit housing the sensor ( bumper, windscreen, etc ) has been dismantled