Bosch Mobility Solutions aims to stop motorcycle accidents before they happen with state-of-the-art technology. The company announced a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system that enables vehicles to communicate with one another.
The technology, according to the company, may reduce motorcycle accidents by 33%.
The technology, called “V2V,” is in the prototype phase and allows vehicles to exchange data between cars and motorcycles. The transmission is provided through public WLAN, with transmission happening in milliseconds.
Bosch’s technology, installed in new Cadillac CTS sedans, communicates with other vehicles using V2V technology in a 1,000-foot radius. The technology utilizes data to predict and react to hard braking situations and alert drivers of obstacles that may be out of their viewpoint.
In Arizona, 79.9% of motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries, with 2.9% of all traffic accidents involving a motorcycle. The statistics are similar across most states, with many accidents involving motorists not being able to see motorcyclists.
Bosch, a German-based company, states that motorcyclists are 18 times more likely to be killed in an accident than drivers. Last year, 30,000 motorcycle accidents occurred in Germany, with 600 fatalities.
Bosch’s V2V system alerts both motorists and motorcyclists via notifications.
Smart technology and predictive technology is used to make roads safer. The system was demonstrated with an in-helmet headset that alerts the motorcyclist of the potential hazard in the road.
Automobile drivers may be alerted via Bluetooth in the automobile or via an on-board alert system. The company’s system is in prototype stage and demonstrations are held where assistive systems are put on display.
The vehicles will transmit speed, location, direction of travel, acceleration and vehicle type. Direct communication is provided 10 times per second, with the system sending alerts when necessary.
The system’s predictive algorithms work to avoid accidents. The demonstration alerted the automobile driver of a motorcycle coming up at the intersection, allowing the driver to take the appropriate action to avoid the accident.
Audio alerts are tailored for each driver and driving situation, with both parties alerted of the potential danger.
Stationary vehicles also transmit their data using the V2V system, with a warning triggered when an imminent collision is detected. On-board monitors display the potential obstacle before the driver arrives, allowing the driver to have a virtual view of what to expect in the road ahead of them.
Motorcyclists may be alerted to an on-coming vehicle entering their lane.
Critical situations inform all motorists with the system installed to help avoid collisions. Bosch’s technology has the ability to send audio and visual alerts and notices to a vehicle’s dashboard. The system alerts drivers of broken down vehicles, potential collisions based on vehicle data and motorcycles in a vehicle’s blind spot.
The company’s “digital protective shield” is created in partnership with Ducati, Autotalks and Cohda Wireless. The company plans to provide motorcycles with digital visibility.
“We let motorcycles and cars talk to each other, creating a digital protective shield for riders,” says Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, a member of the Bosch board of management.
“Through safety systems, such as ABS and motorcycle stability control, Bosch has already made riding a two-wheeler significantly safer. By connecting motorcycles, we are taking safety to the next level,” Hoheisel says.