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FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Bosch announces the introduction of its new driver assistance system, "Predictive Brake Assist," which helps drivers in the event of an imminent crash by preparing the brake system for emergency braking. Making its worldwide debut as an additional function of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on the Audi A6, Predictive Brake Assist represents the first stage of an overall "Predictive Safety Systems" product line by Bosch, which will feature systems with preventive effect.
 

While unnoticed by the driver, Predictive Brake Assist builds up a preventive brake pressure by placing the braking pads on the brake disks as a matter of precaution, and setting the hydraulic brake assistant into a state of "alert." If the driver actually brakes, the fastest possible brake response is achieved with optimal deceleration values and the shortest possible stopping distance. When there is no braking action, the alert status is once again cancelled.
 

The Predictive Safety Systems are part of the Bosch CAPS concept. CAPS (Combined Active and Passive Safety Systems) offers a comprehensive cross linkage of sensors and electronic control units of existing vehicle safety and convenience systems, such as electronic stability control (ESC), ACC and airbag controls.
 

The Predictive Brake Assist is an upgrade of ACC from a purely convenience to a safety system. In its basic function, ACC recognizes a vehicle traveling in front of the driver, measures the vehicle's speed and keeps a desired safety distance. Consisting of a sensor control unit that houses a radar sensor and control, ACC's radar sensor detects a vehicle in front up to a distance of more than 650 feet. The electronic control unit measures the speed and the distances. The ACC then adjusts the speed of the driver's vehicle to the flow of traffic through controls of engine and brake system. Once the road is cleared again, ACC accelerates the vehicle to the speed pre- selected by the driver.
 

In 2006, Bosch plans to launch a Predictive Safety System, which provides early warning -- such as a noticeable brake jerk -- to drivers in critical traffic situations. In future upgrades, the system will trigger fully automatic emergency braking with maximum vehicle deceleration if a collision is unavoidable, thus helping to reduce the severity of the crash.

Source: Robert Bosch Corporation