Latest from Trucks
WABCO, a leading innovator and global supplier of technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles, launched its most advanced collision mitigation system (CMS) for trucks and buses in North America during the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show. The company also rolled out its new OptiRide next generation of electronically controlled air suspension technology.
WABCO’s OnGuardACTIVE features superior radar and is effective in all seasons. The system utilizes a powerful 77GHz radar sensor that maintains the system’s high performance in all weather conditions. Its superior performance is particularly vital in poor visibility situations such as white outs, heavy rain, dense fog, blinding sunshine, or night time driving when camera-based sensors used on other collision mitigation systems may be impaired.
OnGuardACTIVE’s radar offers up to five times higher bandwidth than 24GHz radar-based collision mitigation systems available in the market. The system’s dual mode function addresses both long range and adjacent lane views. This enables higher accuracy in object detection, and a more than 30% longer range than alternative systems. The system is capable of analyzing traffic up to 650 feet ahead, thus recognizing impending critical driving situations earlier.
WABCO’s OnGuardACTIVE alerts the driver to potentially critical driving situations via acoustic, visual and haptic signals. Should the vehicle operator fail to take corrective action, the system provides active braking on moving, stopping, and stationary vehicles to mitigate or prevent impending rear-end collisions. The product is capable of delivering up to full braking on moving and stopping vehicles and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. It can also deliver partial braking on stationary vehicles.
“WABCO’s new OnGuardACTIVE is our most advanced collision mitigation system,” said Nik Varty, WABCO president, Americas. “Rain or shine, foggy or clear, drivers constantly travel on America’s roads. They need a system that works as hard as they do to keep them and their vehicles safe whatever the season. OnGuardACTIVE’s superior radar technology is up to the task.
“Our long range and high precision radar detects moving, stopping or stationary vehicles early, giving drivers precious time to manage hazardous driving situations.”
OnGuardACTIVE will be sold and supported in North America by Meritor WABCO.
WABCO’s new OptiRide system features Intelligent Lift Axle Control. It can automatically optimize the trailer load transfer, including temporarily putting more weight on the drive axle, to improve traction performance. WABCO’s OptiRide maintains the trailer at a constant ride height. The system delivers enhanced load protection and more stable vehicle operation, which also helps to increase vehicle and road safety.
The industry-leading technology maximizes traction performance of 6x2 trucks, particularly on low-friction surfaces, while minimizing tire wear. WABCO’s electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) is a powerful enabler technology for fleets to transition from trucks with a heavy and expensive 6x4 axle configuration to a lighter 6x2 configuration while ensuring traction performance.
A 6x4 configuration features three axles, and both rear axles are powered. A 6x2 configuration also has three axles, but only one rear axle is powered. Therefore, electronically controlled air suspension also helps to reduce vehicle weight resulting in improved fuel efficiency or increased payload.
“Major truck builders in North America and their axle makers have successfully integrated electronically controlled air suspension technology in their 6x2 product offering,” Varty said. “The broad adoption of our award-winning OptiRide technology is propelling a market trend that contributes significantly to improvements in fleet efficiency.”
WABCO introduced the industry’s first ECAS system for commercial vehicles in 1986 and claims to be the global market leader in ECAS technology today. ♦
