Product Launch
Sidescan Predict, a predictive collision warning system
Brigade Electronics has launched a new predictive collision detection system called Sidescan Predict. It is designed for rigid body vehicles including coaches and buses with a minimum length of 5.2m, this system uses six ultrasonic sensors along the side of the vehicle and artificial intelligence to scan for object detection data (such as the speed and distance of a cyclist or vulnerable road user) within a 2.5 metre area. This combines with technology embedded in the system which gathers speed, direction, acceleration and the turning rate of the vehicle. All this data then feeds into an algorithm created by Brigade which calculates the risk of
38 | Telematics Wire | December 2021
a collision in order to warn the driver. If a collision is predicted, an alert is sent to the cab. According to the supplier the features reduce the risk of fatalities by an additional 84%.
Sidescan®Predict's features and benefits: ● Sidescan®Predict is always switched on at speeds below 22mph/30kmh. Crucially, the collision protection is active with or without the indicators on. This is particularly important as it is recognized that some drivers become irritated by false alerts and therefore will avoid using their indicator so their system does not trigger alerts, potentially putting vulnerable road users at risk ● An auto brightness feature adapts Sidescan®Predict to lighting conditions in the cabin, so the visual alert is not lost among the numerous lights present in a modern cab ● Sidescan®Predict can be retrofitted to existing vehicles and the configuration software (a key USP) provides multiple system tests to ensure the sensors are appropriately positioned and correctly fitted for additional peace of mind ● An in-cab visual alert indicates if the system has a failure ● The system is competitively priced and comes complete in one box with a compre-
hensive user manual (which is also available online) and a training video ● Installation time is approximately six hours and integrates with other Brigade systems to provide a complete solution. Additional speed and indicator switches are not required, which reduces system and installation costs ● These next generation sensors have wider detection areas therefore reduce risk The system remains switched on when the vehicle’s speed is below 22mph, regardless of the indicator selection, and cannot be deactivated by the driver. Brigade claims development of the system, which is supported by the Cambridge University Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative, has been taking place for more than seven years and is the culmination of 10,000 hours of research. Sidescan Predict was first trialled in 2020 and received “excellent driver feedback” with a “significant reduction in the risk of collision with both vulnerable road users and static objects”. The system can be retrofitted to existing vehicles and the configuration software provides multiple system tests to ensure sensors are correctly positioned. Installation time is said to take six hours and can integrate with other Brigade systems. If the system should fail, an in-cab visual alert will warn the driver.