'Waymo' Could Soften Itself If It Detects a Collision
Ellen Smith — August 15, 2017 — Autos
References: digitaltrends & dezeen
Waymo, Google's self-driving car could feature a design that allows the vehicle to soften itself if it detects a potential collision with a pedestrian.
Even though research suggests that autonomous vehicles would contribute to a decrease in road collisions, accidents are still bound to happen, and any time there's a car involved, it could be fatal. To ensure optimal safety for not just its drivers, but everyone, Waymo developers are working on securing a patent that allows the car's exterior to "alter its rigidity" when it detects its about to hit a pedestrian. The car will do so through elements embedded within it, called "tension members." When the car detects a potential collision, a signal will be sent to these tension members, prompting the car to alter the "hardness" of its panels.
Even though research suggests that autonomous vehicles would contribute to a decrease in road collisions, accidents are still bound to happen, and any time there's a car involved, it could be fatal. To ensure optimal safety for not just its drivers, but everyone, Waymo developers are working on securing a patent that allows the car's exterior to "alter its rigidity" when it detects its about to hit a pedestrian. The car will do so through elements embedded within it, called "tension members." When the car detects a potential collision, a signal will be sent to these tension members, prompting the car to alter the "hardness" of its panels.
Trend Themes
1. Pedestrian-safe Autonomous Vehicles - As self-driving cars become more commonplace, the focus will shift to developing new safety features to protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
2. Adaptive Car Design - The use of embedded tension members to alter a car's rigidity highlights the potential for future car designs to be more adaptable and responsive to their environment.
3. Patented Safety Technology - Waymo's patent signals a push in the industry to develop unique safety features that give companies a competitive edge in the self-driving car market.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - The development of pedestrian-protecting features presents opportunities for the automotive industry to enhance their designs, making their vehicles more attractive to safety-conscious consumers.
2. Autonomous Vehicle Technology - In the race to develop the most advanced autonomous vehicle technology, safety features such as pedestrian protection will become a key area of competition.
3. Public Transportation - With increasing interest in autonomous public transportation, the development and incorporation of safety features will be crucial to gaining public trust and acceptance of these new technologies.
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