Hyundai Mobis, the parts supplier arm of Korean automaker Hyundai, has developed a safety brake system that reportedly improves safety for fully autonomous driving that is level 4 or higher. Termed as a ‘redundancy brake system,’ the system is designed to activate the vehicle’s emergency brake, even if the brakes do not activate due to electrical failure or external shock.
The redundancy brake system is considered important as vehicles with higher degrees of autonomy—classified as levels 4 and 5—are expected to emerge soon. Fully or almost fully autonomous vehicles must be able to able to handle emergency situations by themselves, and Hyundai Mobis’ auxiliary brake system would enable the vehicle to safety reach its destination in the event of a failure with the main braking system.
The redundancy brake system comprises two electronic brake systems, the ECU, which is the brain for controlling them, and the software control platform. In normal vehicle operation, the two controllers are connected to each other and exchange data, but if the main brake system is not working normally, the controller detects it, and orders the auxiliary brake system to start working.
According to Hyundai, the key to developing the redundant braking system was developing a software platform to help the vehicle controller make a correct judgment. During autonomous driving, numerous variables, which perceive external environments, must be taken into consideration.
Asides from Hyundai, there are other efforts underway to develop redundant braking systems. Automotive systems supplier Bosch, for instance, mentions on its website development of a redundant braking system for fully autonomous vehicles.