Mahindra has packed its latest flagship SUV, the XUV700, with advanced safety and technology features. One key highlight is the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which is based on radars and cameras. This technology aims to reduce accidents caused by human errors and also moves towards enabling autonomous driving capabilities in the future. Read on to take a closer look at what the ADAS in the XUV700 offers.
Table of Contents
Understanding Of ADAS
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) refers to an array of sensors, radars, cameras, and software that actively monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Depending on the driving scenario, ADAS features can automatically control the vehicle’s speed, braking, lighting, and more to avoid collisions and improve safety. The ADAS in the XUV700 runs multiple vision algorithms to process camera visual data and undertake appropriate actions.
Key ADAS Features in the Mahindra XUV700
The XUV700 comes equipped with the latest driver assistance tech. Some unique capabilities offered are:
Elevated Beam Assist Feature
We’ve all likely experienced the blinding glare of an oncoming vehicle forgetting to dip its high beams. The Mahindra Auto High Beam Assist uses cameras to detect such vehicles ahead and temporarily switches your headlights to low beams. Once the vehicle has passed, it brings the high beams back on.
Automated Emergency Braking System
This system detects sudden braking by the vehicle ahead or a pedestrian crossing unexpectedly early. It can automatically trigger hard braking in the Mahindra Auto to avoid potential collisions. At other times, it alerts the driver to take action.
Driver Drowsiness Detection System
Distracted and drowsy driving causes numerous accidents every year. The XUV700 can monitor steering input and driving patterns to detect if you are sleepy or distracted. It first issues audible and visual alerts. Moreover, you can even set it to use a custom voice message in a loved one’s voice for the warning.
Traffic Alert Recognition System
It is easy to miss a speed limit or stop sign while driving on unfamiliar roads. The XUV700’s cameras and software can recognize speed limits and other road signs and adjust your vehicle’s settings accordingly, adding a layer of safety and convenience.
Adaptive Cruise Management System
This system uses radars and cameras to detect the speed of vehicles ahead of you. It can then automatically adjust the cruise control speed in the XUV700 to maintain a safe distance. This helps on highways where the speeds of vehicles in front tend to vary.
How does ADAS Work?
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the XUV700 represent a sophisticated ensemble of sensors and software. Here is a quick look under the hood to understand how these functions are made possible:
Radars
The SUV’s front and rear bumpers house multiple radar sensors with medium and long-range detection capabilities. These emit safe radio waves that bounce back after hitting objects, allowing the ADAS to scan surroundings constantly. Radars work reliably at night and in bad weather when cameras have limitations.
Cameras
A high-resolution camera is mounted on the front windshield of the XUV700. Thanks to machine vision algorithms, the expansive view lets it detect lane markings, read signs, identify vehicles, and more. The camera sends visual data for processing, enabling features like auto high beam, driver monitoring, and sign recognition.
Computing Hardware
A high-power domain controller hardware processes inputs from radars and cameras. It runs complex software and ML algorithms to sense the environment and enable a quick response. The Mahindra Auto also has backup batteries to temporarily keep ADAS features online in case of power failure.
Software Features
Behind the scenes, clever software powers the functioning of ADAS tech. Vision algorithms enable the cameras to accurately detect pedestrians, vehicles, road signs, and hazards. Sensor fusion combines radar and camera inputs for robust real-time tracking. Control algorithms then process this data to issue warnings or automatic vehicle control where necessary via braking and acceleration.
Benefits of ADAS Tech
Advanced safety systems in vehicles help drivers by adding an extra pair of eyes and ears. Here are some core benefits and use cases where ADAS shines:
Distraction Prevention
Alerts grab attention back to driving when distracted by phone, food, or rowdy passengers. They are crucial in accident avoidance.
Low Visibility Driving Aid
Features like auto high beam assist by sensing oncoming traffic help when visibility is low at night due to fog or rain.
Driver Health Monitoring
Checks for drowsiness and fatigue reduce the chance of accidents caused by medical events behind the wheel.
Traffic Jam Assist
Stop-and-go driving in jams is tiring and error-prone. Smart adaptive cruise control eases brain strain in tedious traffic.
Emergency Maneuvers
In case of sudden pedestrian incursion or stalled traffic ahead, automatic emergency braking saves lives.
Mahindra Auto aims to deliver such benefits by making drives safer. Its ADAS capabilities also set the stage for self-driving when the infrastructure and regulations eventually catch up in India.
ADAS Advancements on the Horizon
While today’s ADAS systems seem advanced, they are just the beginning. With relentless improvements in sensors, computing hardware, and software smarts, the scope of assistance will continue to grow. Here is a taste of inspiring innovations coming to the ADAS space:
Solid State LiDAR Sensors
Moving from mechanical spinning LiDAR to solid-state designs slashes size and cost while enabling 360-degree vision for smarter autonomous vehicles.
High-Resolution Cameras
5 MP cameras today will seem primitive compared to 200+ MP cameras coming soon. These promises near human-eye resolution to spot dangers far away better.
Faster Sensor Fusion
Better algorithms for synthesizing vision, radar, ultrasonic, and LiDAR data will enable quicker reactions by ADAS systems.
Enhanced Machine Learning
More advanced neural networks will mimic human intuition to predict danger better instead of just reacting based on pre-programmed rules.
Vehicle-to-Everything Communication
Cars won’t just sense their immediate surroundings but also receive hazards from other vehicles and infrastructure miles ahead.
Conclusion
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the Mahindra XUV700 showcase the future of smarter, safer driving. By intelligently processing inputs from an array of cameras and radars, these technologies help drivers by adding an extra pair of alert eyes focused on the road. As sensor and software capabilities evolve, vehicles will get even smarter, paving the path toward autonomous driving. For now, the ADAS tech in the XUV700 aims to make daily commuting less stressful while significantly improving safety.
FAQs
Q1. What is ADAS technology in the XUV700?
A1. ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance System, is a suite of radars, cameras, and software that monitors the surroundings to enable features like emergency braking, lane keep assist, etc. to improve driving safety.
Q2. How does the Auto High Beam Assist feature work?
A2. Using a camera that can detect vehicles ahead, the Auto High Beam Assist automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic to avoid blinding other drivers at night.
Q3. What alerts does the Driver Drowsiness Detection System provide?
A3. Using steering input patterns and driving style analysis, it can identify if the driver seems distracted or sleepy and provides audible & visual warnings, like a custom voice message.
Q4. Can the XUV700 read road signs and adjust itself accordingly?
A4. Yes, using machine vision algorithms on camera feeds, the SUV can recognize speed limits, stop signs, etc., and automatically adjust settings like cruise control speed.
Q5. How does smart cruise control capability work?
A5. By using radars to gauge speeds of vehicles ahead, adaptive cruise control can automatically accelerate or brake in stop-go traffic to maintain a safe distance.