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Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Working
You can probably think of a time when hitting the brakes earlier would have made a big difference. A split second or a few feet can turn an ordinary drive into a headache—or worse. Whether by unavoidable circumstances or momentary lapses in focus, collisions happen. To change that, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is proliferating across all vehicle segments.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems start braking automatically if a collision is imminent and the driver is not taking any action (or is not doing so fast enough). AEB is able to detect a potential collision and activate the braking system to decelerate the vehicle with the purpose of avoiding a collision, or at least mitigating its impact.
AEB is part of the ‘second wave’ of active safety measures – using cutting-edge technology such as on-board sensors, radar, cameras, GPS and lasers – that is being fitted to passenger cars.
Active safety technology can prevent accidents from happening altogether or at least actively help the driver to reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Active systems give the driver more control in dangerous situations. To that end, various safety systems constantly monitor the performance and surroundings of a vehicle.
Simply put, active safety systems avoid or mitigate an accident pre-impact – so before it happens or contact is made.
Automatic emergency braking is an active safety system that activates a car's brakes when a potential collision is detected. As its name suggests, it works automatically, without the driver actually touching the brake pedal. It can also increase braking force if the driver is applying the brakes, but not enough to prevent a collision. All AEB systems detect vehicles, and many can sense pedestrians and cyclists. The purpose of AEB is to mitigate crashes by initiating braking when hazardous conditions arise or if the driver brakes insufficiently.
What Is Forward Collision Warning?
Your car suddenly stopping on its own can be startling. As such, AEB is typically paired with forward collision warning (FCW). FCW is often indicated by a sound, visible signal, or through tactile feedback. In most vehicles, FCW activates a moment before AEB. This lets the driver know a collision is imminent, and it gives them a chance to react and press the brakes. If insufficient action is taken, AEB then intervenes. Worth noting: A handful of vehicles include FCW, but not AEB.
What Is Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking?
Do you ever wish it was impossible to reverse into things while parking? Reverse automatic braking is making it a reality. This system clamps the brakes when a rear collision is detected, be it with a parked car, garage wall, or other obstacle. Reverse automatic braking is meant more as a convenience than a safety enhancement; it helps avoid damage caused by low-speed parking impacts. Some cars combine it with rear cross-traffic alert, which detects vehicles passing behind when you're reversing. If not properly calibrated, however, a reverse automatic emergency braking system can also be a hassle when parallel parking, if it's too sensitive.
How Does AutonomousEmerngency Braking Work?
How does AEB know exactly when to hit the stoppers? Some vehicles use radar sensors mounted within the front grille, bumper, or air vents. Others rely on cameras, which are usually installed inside the windshield behind the rearview mirror area. Some use both. Whatever the detection method, software constantly calculates crash potential based on sensor data. If specific parameters are met, the software triggers FCW and AEB.
Does Autonomous Emergency Braking Work For Pedestrians?
Some AEB systems only work for vehicles but not pedestrians. That's becoming less common as technology improves and sensors are becoming more finely tuned to interpret whatever obstacles may be ahead. The IIHS now tests AEB systems for vehicle-to-vehicle performance, as well as vehicle-to-pedestrian performance for adults and children. Keep in mind that a car with AEB is not necessarily programmed to brake for pedestrians; it may only have the capability to detect other vehicles.
Autonomous Emergency Braking: Pros And Cons
AEB has an obvious pro: avoiding car crashes or lessening the severity of the impact for an inevitable one. However, there are some AEB cons to consider. One is a potential for error. A false positive may slam on the brakes unnecessarily, causing undue panic and increasing the possibility of a rear-end collision with a driver behind you. Conversely, a fault within an AEB system may go undetected and could cause it to not function at the exact moment it's needed. Another arguable AEB con is that it could lull drivers into complacency. If they know their car might stop automatically, why bother paying attention as closely? To be sure, these are outlier scenarios that shouldn't create doubt of AEB's overarching benefit.
Can You Turn Off Autonomou Emergency Braking?
Some drivers prefer to be in full control. Most vehicles equipped with active safety and driver assist systems like AEB allow them to be turned off. Some allow a degree of personalization, like changing how sensitive AEB is, when and how FCW activates, or how far ahead it "looks" for obstacles. Others leave it always on and ready to respond, just in case the driver isn't.
Is Autonomous Emergency Braking Worth It?
If avoiding costly or dangerous car crashes is important to you, AEB should be, as well. It's an important feature that even the most tuned-in drivers can appreciate. It's a helpful backup in unpredictable traffic conditions. Some automakers charge extra for AEB, but its cost seems worth it against the financial or wellbeing expenditures a crash could cause. The good news is that AEB is becoming standard equipment on an increasing number of vehicles.
Does Autonomous Emergency Braking Really Work?
Every automaker now offers some sort of AEB system, but none suggests it's a substitute for remaining alert at the wheel. The technology is not advanced enough to detect and mitigate every potential impact. Nonetheless, it's proven to be a significant safety benefit—AEB is recommended by the IIHS and NHTSA. Until fully autonomous vehicles arrive, there won't be a substitute for paying full attention to the road ahead. But AEB really works in those moments when a split second or a few feet make all the difference.
What Are The Different Autonomous Emenrgency Braking Systems?
Some automakers brand AEB with their own trademarks. Don't let marketing confuse you; even though it's sometimes referred to by different titles, AEB has essentially the same function and purpose across all vehicles. Here are the more common AEB systems as they're called by their respective manufacturers:
Acura: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS); part of the AcuraWatch safety suite
Alfa Romeo: Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus
Audi: Audi Pre Sense Front or Audi Pre Sense City
BMW: Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation; part of the Active Driving Assistant or Active Guard safety suites
Buick: Automatic Emergency Braking or Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Cadillac: Automatic Emergency Braking or Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Chevrolet: Automatic Emergency Braking or Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Chrysler: Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Dodge: Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Fiat: Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Ford: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking; part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite
Genesis: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
GMC: Automatic Emergency Braking or Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Honda: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS); part of the Honda Sensing safety suite
Hyundai: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Infiniti: Predictive Collision Warning and Forward Emergency Braking
Jaguar: Emergency Braking
Jeep: Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Kia: Auto Emergency Braking & Warning or Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist; part of the Kia Drive Wise safety suite
Land Rover: Emergency Braking
Lexus: Pre-Collision System with Automatic Emergency Braking; part of Lexus Safety System +
Lincoln: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking; part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety suite
Maserati: Autonomous Emergency Braking
Mazda: Smart Brake Support; part of I-Activsense
Mercedes-Benz: Active Brake Assist
Mini: Automatic Emergency Braking; part of Active Driving Assistant
Mitsubishi: Forward Collision Mitigation
Nissan: Automatic Emergency Braking; part of Nissan Safety Shield 360
Porsche: Porsche Active Safe
Ram: Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
Subaru: Pre-Collision Braking; part of the Eyesight safety suite
Tesla: Collision warning with emergency braking
Toyota: Pre-Collision System; part of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)
Volkswagen: Front Assist
Volvo: City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology
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