The Transformers return: the shape-shifting car

Researchers have integrated into the cars a sophisticated sensing system capable of predicting accidents and activating the lateral protection system. Cameras and radar sensors scan the environment non-stop, and a central computer system analyzes the information. The system is able to differentiate between other cars and stationary objects and predict an approaching collision

I still fondly remember the Transformers animated TV series from my early childhood. The Transformers were giant robots that could shapeshift into cars, and back, and even protect their passenger. I always had the feeling that many engineers grew up on the dream of transformativeness - the ability to design vehicles that are able to change shape depending on the circumstances. That's why I was so happy to see that the dream is starting to come true within the framework of the European Union's APROSIS project, or Advanced Defense Systems.

During the project, Fernhofer company engineers, in collaboration with several universities, succeeded in developing a smart protection system that protects against damage to the side of the car and dramatically reduces the risk of injury to the passenger. The researchers integrated into the cars a sophisticated sensing system capable of predicting accidents and activating the lateral protection system. Cameras and radar sensors scan the environment non-stop, and a central computer system analyzes the information. The system is able to distinguish between other cars - which may be the source of an accident - and stationary objects such as houses or trees, and predict an approaching injury.

Despite the sophistication of the software, it is able to predict an impact on the side of the car only 200 thousandths of a second before the impact itself. But that's all it takes. As soon as the computer verifies the imminent impact, it releases an electric current that ignites a wire made of a smart alloy. The heat causes the wire to bend and release the spring attached to it. Inside the passenger seat is a steel beam, which the released spring pushes towards the door. At the same time, a metal plate inside the door is also released, until it rests against the steel beam. The researchers claim that the support provided by the metal plate against the steel beam stabilizes the car door and absorbs the impact energy.

Although the car cannot yet turn into a robot, throw the passenger into the air, avoid the impact and catch the passenger back before he falls to the ground. It also cannot violate the laws of conservation of mass and momentum, similar to the robotic heroes of our childhood. But considering the existing limitations, there is no doubt that the engineers and researchers of the European Union have advanced us one more step on the way to smarter and safer cars.

Source: http://www.fraunhofer.de/EN/press/pi/2008/03/ResearchNews32008Topic1.jsp