Volvo, a company that is always looking for the next innovation to make driving safer, has just announced a new Active High Beam Control technology that will allow drivers to use their high-beams at all times without blinding other drivers.
Although Mercedes-Benz already offers a similar system that will dim the high-beams when an oncoming car is detected, Volvo’s Active High Beam Assist uses the camera already in place for the Volvo city safety and cruise control systems to detect when a vehicle has approached.
Once a car is “seen” then is can block out just the portion of the view ahead where the vehicle is, ensuring that the rest of the field of vision is properly illuminate. This technology is so precise, Volvo says it even works to shade out a small enough space to be effective with motorcycles. Volvo says the advantage of this system is that it still allows drivers to see objects, parked cars, animals or pedestrians on the side of the road.
“The technology makes driving at night more comfortable and safe. It also makes it easier to focus on the driving and is an excellent example of our Designed Around You approach, always focusing on features that really make a difference to the customer,” said Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist Safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
The Volvo Active High Beam Control works at speeds as low as 9 mph and will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week and will be available next year on the updated S60, V60, and XC60.