Smart systems make cars safer

From long, winding forest roads in Northern Sweden to the burning desert of Arizona, Semcon has tested safety electronics adapted to Volvo’s new XC60. The Volvo XC60 was launched at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2008, as the safest Volvo ever. The assignment from Volvo Cars gave us complete responsibility for integrating the active safety systems in the XC60. For three years Automotive R&D’s project team worked on implementing the system, which was first launched in the V70 and XC70 in 2007. The system consists of a teering unit, a warning display plus a camera and radar sensor. We also took care of verifying the project, which means making sure that the system works properly and is correctly integrated with the rest of the vehicle’s electrical systems. The entire automotive industry now faces major opportunities for developing active safety using electronic systems that prevent accidents happening. The XC60’s active safety system includes, for instance, an intelligent cruise control that reduces speed when the vehicle gets too close to vehicles in front of it. The system also warns the driver with audible and visual signals if he or she is likely to drive into the vehicle ahead. Using intelligent systems like this is a vitally important part of the automotive industry’s safety work in future.