Mercedes-Benz has rolled out an automatic braking system for the Actros range that stops for pedestrians.
Active Brake Assist 4 the latest development within the Actros range and is now available for on-highway Actros prime movers as well as the new Mercedes-Benz rigid models (18-tonne and above), which will be revealed at the Brisbane Truck Show from May 25 to 28.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks became the first manufacturer to introduce the smart new pedestrian-focused safety technology in Europe late last year.
“We take safety very seriously at Mercedes-Benz and we are pleased to be able to offer this feature to our Australian customers,” says Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Director, Michael May.
“Along with the proven efficiency, comfort and reliability of the new model, the safety features of Mercedes-Benz trucks give us a clear competitive advantage.”
Part of the Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4) suite, the new feature warns the driver of imminent collisions with moving pedestrians and simultaneously automatically initiates partial braking.
It is the first system of its type in the world to perform such functions, enabling the driver to avoid a collision by means of emergency braking or a steering manoeuvre.
Active Brake Assist 4 is an enhancement of the tried and tested Active Brake Assist 3 system.
In addition to functions familiar from Active Brake Assist 3 like emergency stop when moving or when stationary obstacles are detected within the system boundaries, Active Brake Assist 4 also detects moving pedestrians in almost all traffic situations.
The automated alerts and braking initiated by pedestrian detection are active up to a speed of 50 km/h.
Active Brake Assist 4 with pedestrian detection is based on next-generation radar technology used in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
The advantage of a radar system is that it operates independently of the prevailing light conditions and also largely independently of weather conditions.
Radar determines distances and relative speeds extremely precisely, and is also able to ‘see’ at night and in rain and fog.
Active Brake Assist 4 is part of the Safety Pack, which which also includes Lane Keeping Assist, Proximity Control Assist and Attention Assist.
Since the launch of the new generation Mercedes-Benz truck in September last year, more than 90 per cent of units delivered have been fitted with the Safety Pack.