Mazda testing new communication system to improve road safety

Yet another auto company has come up with a new technology to improve road safety. Mazda has announced its latest the latest auto-comm technology that allows cars and trams to communicate. The system is currently under trials in Hiroshima, Japan.

Under tests as the ASV-5 (Advanced Safety Vehicle), the system has been fitted to a Mazda6 which will hit public roads and start real-time testing very soon. The Mazda6 is known as the Atenza in Japan. This technology was developed by a consortium made up of Mazda, the University of Tokyo, Hiroshima Electric Railway Co. and Japan's National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory.

Under tests as the ASV-5 (Advanced Safety Vehicle), the system has been fitted to a Mazda6 which will hit public roads and start real-time testing very soon

The system involves an autonomous sensor. The communication network is enabled using 700MHzradio waves, allowing cars and trams to share information like, the type and location of a vehicle, the direction they're heading, braking and turn signal information. The ASV-5 sedan is equipped with autonomous millimetre wave and microwave sensors as well as cameras to monitor its surroundings and keep track of pedestrians, road markings, other vehicles and trams.

The extensive testing is to ensure the system's ability to prevent collisions between cars and trams. Its ability to improve road safety and stimulate a smooth and safe driving environment will also be accounted for. Trams were heavily involved in the development of this technology because nearly 150,000 people travel using the tram network, everyday, in Hiroshima. It is also a vital public transportation link in many other parts of the world. Thus, this system that can greatly control or even eradicate accidents has significant benefits.

Mazda's other effort to improve road safety is seen in its i-ACTIVSENSE systems. The i-ACTIVSENSE technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlamps. It will be available on the Mazda6, Mazda CX-5 and the all-new Mazda3.