Subaru unveils Eyesight driver assist technology

By JAY WONG | 11 January 2018


SINGAPORE: Subaru has officially launched its driver assist technology, dubbed Eyesight, at this year's Singapore Motorshow.

The technology is a support system that uses a range of functions to assist the driver for a more safer driving experience and includes adaptive cruise control, lane sway and departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision braking systm as well as pre-collision throttle management.

The technology uses stereo cameras to identify the surrounding vehicles, obstacles, traffic lanes and other items.

The company claims that it will be able to apply the brakes or reduce the throttle to minimise the risk of collision. under ideal circumstances.

EyeSight - Adaptive Cruise Control
Although the technology has the capability to help avoid unwanted circumstances, it does not mean that it can replace a driver's level of awareness and may not operate optimally under all driving conditions.

The six main functions of EyeSight includes Pre-Collision Braking which warns the driver with a buzzer and a light on the dash.

Should the driver not take any evasive action, the system can automatically apply the brakes to reduce any impact or, if possible, prevent the collision.

But, if the driver does perform an evasive action it can still help to prevent it by applying more brake force.

EyeSight - Pre-Collision Braking
The Adaptive Cruise Control will help to adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the lead vehicle by adjusting the engine, transmission, and brakes accordingly to keep the vehicle in line with the traffic flow.

With regards to Pre-Collision Throttle Management, if Eyesight detects an obstacle in front of the vehicle when it is in Drive instead of Reverse, the system sounds several short beeps, turns on a flashing indicator and cuts the engine output to help avoid a frontal collision.

However, this system may not work in all situations and depends on the speed difference from the objects, the object's height and other conditions which may not allow it to work optimally.

EyeSight - Lane Departure and Lane Sway Warning
When travelling at speeds of 50kph or more, the Lane Departure Warning system alerts the driver with a buzzer and a flashing indicator when it detects that the vehicle is drifting towards and is about to depart from the lane without signalling.

Working together with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning (when at speeds of 60kph or more) helps the driver stay alert with a buzzer and a flashing indicator.

EyeSight - Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Lastly, while the vehicle has come to a full stop behind another vehicle, the Lead Vehicle Start Alert is able to detect that traffic has begun to move and will prompt the driver with a buzzer and a flashing indicator to take action.

"Eyesight completes Subaru's core technology pillars to present a wholesome and attractive package for customers who are looking for the highest standards of safety, driving performance and comfort in a car," said Tan Chong International managing director Glenn Tan.

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