Volvo launches new tech and brings in Google

Volvo has launched new technology which will see cars and trucks communicating with each other in real time to warn drivers about upcoming road hazards.

The data sharing involves Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks. It will expand covering of the two companies’ connected safety technology, a cloud-based system that allows vehicles to communicate with each other and alert drivers of nearby hazards.

No details are available on when the technology is coming to New Zealand and Australia, however the company has suggested the programme could be expanded to include other partners.

From 2018, live and anonymised data will be shared between selected Volvo trucks sold in Sweden and Norway with the company’s own hazard-alert systems, and Volvo cars equipped with Volvo Cars’ hazard light alert system.

“Sharing real-time safety data based on our connected safety technology can help avoid accidents,” Volvo Cars Safety Centre vice-president Malin Ekholm says. “The more vehicles we have sharing safety data in real time, the safer our roads become. We look forward to establishing further collaborations with other partners who share our commitment to traffic safety.”

The hazard light alert works as soon as any equipped Volvo switches on its hazard lights. An alert is sent to all nearby Volvo cars connected to the cloud service, warning drivers to help avoid potential accidents. This is particularly useful on blind corners and over the crest of hills.

“Connected safety allows Volvo drivers to virtually ‘see around the corner’ and avoid a critical situation or accident before it happens, Ekholm says. “The ability to see further ahead and avoid hazards is something we want to share with as many drivers as possible.”

Meanwhile, Volvo says it’s working with Google to embed the voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services into its next-generation Sensus infotainment system, based on Google’s Android operating system.

Apps and services developed by Google and Volvo are embedded in the car, plus thousands of additional apps are available through the Google Play Store that is optimised and adapted for Android-based car infotainment systems.

Since the next generation of Sensus will run on Android, new apps and software updates will be available in real-time and can be automatically applied.

“Bringing Google services into Volvo will accelerate innovation in connectivity and boost our development in applications and connected services,” Volvo research and development senior vice-president Henrik Green says. “Soon, Volvo drivers will have direct access to thousands of in-car apps that make daily life easier and the connected in-car experience more enjoyable.”

Video: CLICK HERE