Animal detection system unveiled

Volvo has introduced a new safety system in a bid to help cut the number of road accidents involving animals.

The technology could prove useful for drivers, particularly in rural areas, as well as protect animals from being killed on road.

It is based on the Swedish company's Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system, and uses radar and camera to identify animals on the road. Similar technology is already available in Volvo vehicles such as S60, V60, V70, XC70, S80.

The latest system monitors the road ahead and if an animal is detected it alerts the driver with an audible signal. If the motorist fails to act, the brakes are automatically applied.

According to the firm, over 40,000 accidents involving wild animals are recorded in Sweden every year.

The majority of such accidents occur at dawn, dusk, or during dark winter months and so the new system is designed to work well under these conditions.

It is also likely to have the potential to recognise different animals. The engineering team behind the technology studied the behavioural patterns of animals at a safari park to make the new system more effective.

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