Radar-based collision avoidance

• Complete solution requiring minimal development work
• Versatile: Suitable for all travel drives thanks to clearly defined interfaces
• Developed in accordance with the ISO 21815 standard

The new radar-based collision avoidance system from Bosch Rexroth improves the safety of off-highway vehicles and makes development easier. With the help of the modular, easy-to-integrate solution for radar-based collision protection, accidents can be avoided – especially when traveling at high speeds.

Collision protection plays an important role in the off-highway sector. In order to minimize accidents with the help of warning signals and assistance systems, manufacturers need reliable system solutions which are easy to implement. These help drivers to keep track of things in confusing situations and to recognize imminent hazards early on. The proven ultrasonic technology from Bosch Rexroth covers close-up ranges of up to approximately five meters. However, the new radar-based solution is also suitable for greater distances and higher speeds.

Bosch Rexroth's modular radar-based collision avoidance system is based on proven building blocks from the BODAS ecosystem and offers manufacturers of off-highway vehicles a complete solution from the sensor to the drivetrain. After basic suitability testing as regards travel speeds and the braking capacity of the particular machine at the start of the project, OEMs can immediately begin integrating and commissioning the system with little development effort of their own.

Proven automotive radar sensors from Bosch, which have been adapted for the off-highway sector with its different terrains such as grass, gravel and asphalt, form part of the hardware. Other components include the Bosch inertia sensor MM7.10, a Rexroth controller (e.g. RC 40 small) and adaptable software modules. These have the intelligence needed to enable off-highway vehicles to detect collision hazards early on and warn operators, slow down or initiate emergency braking.

Complete solution – from sensing to acting

Using the steering angle and the machine's own speed, the Rexroth solution calculates the expected travel path and classifies detected objects according to the probability of a collision. Depending on the OEM’s machine concept, the operating personnel is given a visual, auditory or tactile warning regarding the hazard detected. If a collision is imminent, the system overrides any acceleration on the part of the cab crew and reduces the vehicle’s speed via the hydrostatic travel drive.

Thanks to the CAN interface, the system is compatible with travel drives from various manufacturers. With their Rexroth Drive Controller, Rexroth travel drives are already “Radar Ready”. The ISO 21815-compliant system can be used in both directions of travel or only in one direction.

Bosch Rexroth plans to have the system solution for radar-based collision protection available for various applications from Q1/2024. In the future, the ultrasonic system or a video camera will complement the solution. This means that hazards can then be ideally detected both at close range at low speeds and at greater distances and higher speeds.

Bosch Rexroth at Agritechnica: Hall 16, Booth A08.