The adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a constant speed and a constant distance from the vehicle in front. The vehicle not only accelerates and brakes autonomously, its lateral support system also automatically keeps it in its lane.
This SAE-Level 2 form of semi-automated driving makes it more pleasant for drivers behind the wheel, who can at times even take their hands off the steering wheel. Of course, drivers must always be ready at any time to restore their grip on the steering wheel. “At the present time, assistance systems warn us in good time to avoid driving errors, or to correct them rapidly. This also helps to prevent accidents. However, they should also provide some measure of additional ride comfort. If systems do not respond fluently or if, under adverse weather conditions, they cut out too rapidly because they simply do not function under those conditions, then this reduces their acceptability to drivers”, states Torsten Gollewski, Head of Autonomous Mobility Systems at ZF.