The new system uses diagonally projected millimeter-wave radar to more broadly detect vehicles or objects moving into the vehicle's path or a vehicle that has crossed the centerline. If a high probability of collision is detected, safety functions within the car are activated to alert the driver and mitigate collision damage and occupant injuries.
These include previous seatbelt pretensioners and pre-charge brake assist functions, as well as newer features, which include a system to prepare airbags for deployment and an audible alert function for the cabin.
Another of the new technologies, Pre-crash Seatbacks, automatically brings reclined rear seats to an upright position when the vehicle's sensors detect a high probability of a front-or rear-end collision.
These world-first technologies are to debut in a Toyota vehicle scheduled for launch in Japan in the near future and should eventually filter across to more models across the globe.