R&D Comes in Threes: Toyota research lab announces three new ADAS-related projects
Ann Arbor, Michigan — Toyota’s Michigan-based Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) announced last week that a trifecta of research projects have been added to the docket for the Japanese OEM and a number of its educational partners. Toyota, alongside a diverse team of experts and researchers from the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of […]
Camera Lens: Hayden AI patents camera system that mounts behind windshield, works in all light
Toronto, Ontario — A newly patented camera system from a San Francisco-based AI developer may be the stepping stone to lower-cost windshield repairs that customers are looking for. The new “camera-based perception system” from Hayden AI is housed behind the vehicle’s windshield, unlike traditional ADAS camera systems that are often mounted to the exterior of […]
More for Less: Autoliv unveils Bernoulli Airbag system built on larger bags, but smaller inflators
Toronto, Ontario — Tier 1 airbag developer Autoliv recently unveiled an airbag system for a new era, built around meeting the needs of both modern electric vehicles, as well as safety and environmental sustainability. Many modern vehicle designs, especially those of electric models, feature roomier and more open interiors than in years past. This presents […]
OE Transparency: New Ford On Target newsletter dives into windshield-based features
Toronto, Ontario — Ford offered repairers a glimpse at its OEM glass and the many components that transform it from a window to an advanced piece of technology, in its most recent On Target newsletter. The first edition of On Target for 2023 features a breakdown of the cameras and composition of the windshields on […]
The Price of Safety: New IIHS report applies public health theory to mobile phone use behind the wheel
Toronto, Ontario — Taking some pages from the books of public health theory, a new report from the IIHS details a holistic, social approach to curbing the deadly consequences of distracted driving. Using what is called the Health Belief Model, one of the co-authors of the IIHS’s latest report, Aimee E. Cox, developed about 60 […]
Second Row Safety: Midsize SUVs ‘fall short’ on protecting rear seat passengers, IIHS testing shows
Toronto, Ontario — Three months after a less than stellar performance in the IIHS’s moderate overlap front crash test, some automakers have made marginal improvements to the rear seat safety of their vehicles, while others continue to give the issue the back seat. Up from two to four “Good” ratings this time around, some automakers, […]
Calibration Confusion: Improper calibrations leading to post-repair issues, return visits, IIHS report says
Toronto, Ontario — Repeat customers are typically a marker of success for a collision repair facility, but unfortunately a recent report from the IIHS has found that far too many customers are returning to body shops to have work redone on commonly overlooked safety components. This latest report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety […]
Clean Sweep: Tesla approved for single-blade, track-based windshield wiper patent
Toronto, Ontario — Because they can’t just simply be like the other kids, Tesla has announced the approval of a new windshield wiper design that eschews the sweeping arc motion of your grandpa’s wipers in favour of something slightly higher tech. Tesla’s new “electromagnetic windshield wiper system” instead uses a linear actuator at the bottom […]
Out of Style: Tesla Autopilot drops five spots in Consumer Reports ADAS rankings
Toronto, Ontario — Analysis conducted by Consumer Reports has found that Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system has truly fallen from grace in its OEM ADAS rankings, slipping from second to seventh place from 2020 to now. General Motors and its Super Cruise hands-free driving system have replaced Tesla in the no. 2 spot of the Consumer […]
A Collision Division: Female crash test dummies taking up more OEM investment, report says
Toronto, Ontario — The rapid advancement of automotive safety technology over the past several decades has shed light on many aspects of vehicle design that have historically been overlooked, but much work still remains when it comes to developing crash test scenarios that properly account for the “average” female body. A recent study carried out […]
