Originally published on October 16, 2013 <br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Ford is testing a new autonomous driving technology that will assume control over the car at highway speeds to avoid collisions.<br /><br />The technology was presented at a facility in Lommel, Belgium.<br /><br />The new technology, known as the Obstacle Avoidance system, was based on a safety feature already offered by Ford.<br /><br />According to reports, the system scans up to 200 meters ahead by using six radars, ultrasonic sensors and a camera. The system constantly monitors the surroundings of the vehicle and the actions of fellow road users. <br /><br />Once it detects a slow-moving object, stationary object or pedestrians, the system will first warn the driver with a warning sign on an additional built-in display and an audible alarm. <br /><br />If the driver fails to respond within 1.5 seconds of the warning and the threat of a collision is still present, the system will take control of the vehicle by such methods as applying the brakes and steering the vehicle away in order to avoid a collision. <br /><br />The firm said the new technology was being tested at speeds of over 60 km per hour.<br /><br />It was reported that other manufacturers include BMW, Fiat, Daimler, Volvo and Volkswagen will share data from the tests and develop systems of their own. <br /><br />Ford said more tests were needed for the new technology and it was not yet ready to announce a launch date.
