Swedish bus manufacturer Volvo Buses has introduced the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System, designed and developed for the bus industry.

The company plans to incorporate the new technology into all its new European city buses that will be rolled next year. Volvo Buses is part of Volvo Group, which manufacturers trucks and buses.

Volvo Buses vehicle features and safety director Peter Danielsson said: “Accidents involving buses and unprotected road-users seldom occur, but when they do the consequences may be very serious.

“In order to minimise the risks, it is important that drivers and anyone moving around near buses, such as at bus stops and pedestrian crossings, pays close attention to the traffic.

"In this context the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System offers excellent support.”

Volvo’s new Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System constantly monitors the bus’s vicinity through its camera.

When the system detects unprotected road-users near the bus, it automatically transmits a sound to warn other road-users that the bus is approaching and simultaneously, the driver is alerted via sound and light signals inside the vehicle.

If the system indentifies that there is a risk of an incident, the bus’s horn is activated. The bus manufacturer has designed and developed this system as part of its electro-mobility drive.

Peter Danielsson further added: “Several of the components in our system are based on the same tried and tested technology found in many cars.

"But we are the only vehicle manufacturer to offer a solution that simultaneously notifies both driver and unprotected road-user.

“The bus can be heard, but without being disruptive.

"We are the only vehicle manufacturer to offer a solution that simultaneously notifies both driver and unprotected road-user."

"We’ve solved this problem by developing a synthetic background sound with a frequency range that is not perceived as disruptive.

"For instance, it does not penetrate windows with triple glazing, unlike the low-frequency noise made by a diesel engine.”

This year the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System will become operational in field tests on route 55 in Gothenburg.

Image: A pedestrian crossing the road. Photo: courtesy of Cision.