Continental develops first satellite camera system for two-wheelers

Technology company Continental is showcasing a new development for advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS) at the EICMA: the first camera system for two-wheelers that works with a satellite camera.

The system consists of a satellite camera with complete dust and splash protection (DIN 40050 IP6K9K) in combination with a scalable, powerful control unit (ADCU), which is able to handle additional ARAS functions. This ‘2-box solution"’ with its very small camera that can be easily integrated into the front of the vehicle and an extremely compact control unit that can be installed under the seat, for instance, offers the vehicle manufacturer maximum flexibility. This also applies to the functionality. This is because the system is designed to later merge camera technology with radar technology, which is already used in various ARAS functions.

As a standalone solution, the new camera system enables the detection of objects, position determination within roadway markings and functions such as traffic sign recognition (TSR) or the intelligent headlamp assistant. Among the radar-based functions that can be optimised by camera support are intelligent cruise control (ACC) and the emergency brake assistant (EBA). For example, the fusion of both sensor technologies makes it possible to detect and classify objects even more precisely because position data of the two-wheeler in its own lane is constantly determined, evaluated and included in the calculations of the control unit in milliseconds.

The systems presented are an addition to Continental's portfolio of driving safety systems and complement its existing strong product range of brake and stability control systems for motorcycles of all performance and equipment classes.