World's smallest stereo video camera set to have big role in making UAE roads safer 18.06.2015: • New Bosch device works with emergency braking system to prevent rear-end collisions

•    New Bosch device works with emergency braking system to prevent rear-end collisions



photo caption:   The world’s smallest stereo video camera works with an emergency braking system to prevent rear-end collisions.


New technology already plays a big role in making UAE roads safer, and now the world’s smallest stereo video camera could help reduce serious accidents.


Developed by Bosch, the new device works with an emergency braking system to prevent rear-end collisions.


When the video camera recognises another vehicle in the lane ahead as an obstruction, the emergency braking system prepares for action. If the driver does not react, the system initiates maximum braking.


“Emergency braking systems are among the most effective assistance systems in the car, and our research has shown that 72% of all rear-end collisions resulting in personal injury could be avoided if all vehicles were equipped with them,” said Andreas Bodemer, Vice President of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Middle East and Africa.


“We expect to see more and more vehicles arriving on the roads in the UAE and other GCC with emergency braking systems and video cameras fitted as standard.”


Use of technology to reduce accidents and deaths on the roads is strongly supported by  the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, which provides a wide range of services for  road users.


“It’s important that the leaders in this field continue to develop technology to make our roads safer,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of ATCUAE. “Anything that can be done to improve safety for road users must be encouraged.”


According to the Ministry of Interior, deaths from UAE traffic accidents in the first quarter of 2015 fell by 21 per cent compared with last year, while the number of injuries dropped by 14.8 per cent.


“That’s very encouraging news, and it’s clear that new technology has a growing part to play in making our roads much safer in the years ahead,” said Bodemer. “We look forward to playing a big part in this.”


One of the automotive industry’s biggest suppliers, Bosch covers the entire product range of driver assistance systems, many of which are familiar to UAE motorists.


Its new stereo video camera also offers road-sign recognition, which keeps the driver informed about the current speed limit, as well as a lane-departure warning system.


Setting new technical standards, the camera features light-sensitive lenses and video sensors which cover a 50-degree horizontal field of vision and can take measurements in 3D at a distance of over 50 meters.


The distance between the optical axes of the lenses is just 12 cms, making this the smallest system of its kind currently available in the field of automotive applications.



Sarah Brook, Total Communications Dubai - also photo