Volvo Trucks North America has announced that Volvo Active Driver Assist is now standard equipment on the new Volvo VNR and VNL series trucks, a system that includes Bendix’s Wingman Fusion collision mitigation system.

Through Active Driver Assist, Bendix Wingman Fusion’s camera- and radar-based collision mitigation system has been fully integrated with the Volvo Driver Information Display.

Volvo Active Driver Assist detects metallic objects and vehicles that are stationary or vehicles braking in front of a truck. If a large object is detected, audible and visual warnings are made to alert the driver, including red warning light flashes reflected on the windshield. Warnings are displayed for up to three seconds in advance of an imminent impact.

If the system recognizes the object as a vehicle and the driver does not take action, Volvo Active Driver Assist will automatically alert the driver and engage the brakes to help mitigate the potential collision. Braking assist is available at speeds greater than 15 miles per hour.

Volvo Active Driver Assist also works with cruise control to help a driver maintain a set following distance behind a vehicle. If the vehicle slows down, the system will alert the driver and if necessary, reduce throttle, apply the engine brake, downshift the Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission, and apply the foundation brakes and brake lights to help the driver maintain the set following distance gap based on the speed of the two vehicles.

“Safety has always been part of the essence of Volvo Trucks, and it has been one of our core values since 1927,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Making Volvo Active Driver Assist with Bendix Wingman Fusion standard in Volvo VNR and VNL models demonstrates our commitment to improving the safety of everyone who travels on our roads.”

With a camera, Volvo Active Driver Assist also integrates a Lane Departure Warning System with Data Capture capability. The system alerts drivers during an unintentional lane change (one in which the turn signal is not activated) and can be turned off by the driver for 15 minutes when traveling through construction zones or other areas where lane markings are unclear or confusing. The system reactivates automatically after 15 minutes, though the driver has the option to reactivate it manually. Lane departure warnings do not occur if the turn signal is activated or brakes are applied.

“Combining the wider angle of the camera with the radar sensor allows Volvo Active Driver Assist to better detect objects that could be a danger to the driver,” said Ashraf Makki, Volvo product marketing manager – technology. “Together, by providing the most data about what is in front of the truck, the system helps mitigate the potential for collisions or unintentional lane changes.”

Volvo Active Driver Assist with Bendix Wingman Fusion is fully integrated with Volvo’s Driver Information Display and requires no additional displays or hardware kits. Its complete integration enables drivers to more quickly react to warnings.  The system is also integrated with Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST) to help drivers avoid rollover and loss-of-control situations on dry, wet, snow- and ice-covered roadways.  Volvo was the first commercial vehicle OEM to make full stability standard on its highway tractors.

The system relies on data from a front bumper-mounted radar sensor and a windshield-mounted camera and offers a series of visual and audible alerts depending on the forward distance of the front object. Cruise control does not have to be engaged for the Volvo Active Driver Assist system to work.

With a detection range of 22 degrees wide and 500 feet in front of the truck, the radar systems can detect the angle, speed, and distance of an object ahead. A camera with a viewing angle greater than 42 degrees complements the radar and can determine the size and lane position, as well as other characteristics of an object.