What is AcuraWatch and How Does It Work?

Acura is renowned for the styling of its luxury sedans and SUVs, their performance, their dependability, and their efficiency. Acura has also set the standard among premium automakers through innovative technology. A testament to this commitment is AcuraWatch(TM), the brand's exclusive driver assistance systems. This suite of technologies aims to enhance driver situational awareness and provide automatic interventions to prevent or mitigate collisions. The first of these systems was introduced initially back in 2006 with the pioneering Collision Mitigation Braking System(TM) (CMBS(TM)) found in the Acura RL. Now, AcuraWatch(TM) includes of host of technologies along with CMBS(TM) and is now a standard feature across all Acura sedan and SUV models.

What is AcuraWatch?

AcuraWatch(TM) is a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. First deployed as a suite of systems in the 2015 Acura TLX, AcuraWatch(TM) integrates multiple systems designed to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control and avoiding accidents. By combining millimetre-wave radar and monocular camera technologies, AcuraWatch(TM) represents a significant step toward future automated driving capabilities.

Features of AcuraWatch

AcuraWatch(TM) encompasses a range of features, each aimed at addressing different aspects of driving safety and convenience:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System(TM) (CMBS(TM)): Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and applies emergency braking if necessary.
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of an imminent collision with audible and visual signals.
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM): Uses lane markings to prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the roadway.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
• Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centred in its lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following distance behind detected vehicles, adjusting speed as needed.
• Low-Speed Follow (LSF): Extends ACC functionality to stop-and-go traffic.
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA): Helps maintain lane position and speed in congested traffic.
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Identifies and displays traffic sign information.
• Driver Attention Monitor: Assesses driver attentiveness and issues warnings if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected.

How AcuraWatch Works

Cameras and Radar

Monocular Camera: Positioned at the top of the windshield, this camera identifies lane markings, vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signs.

Millimetre-Wave Radar: Mounted behind the grille, this radar unit detects the distance and speed of objects ahead, providing data for collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control.

Warning Systems and Interventions

• Visual and Audible Alerts: When the system detects potential dangers, it issues visual warnings on the instrument panel or Head-Up Display (if equipped)
• audible alerts to prompt driver action.
• Braking: If the driver does not respond to warnings, CMBS(TM) can apply emergency braking to reduce the vehicle's speed and mitigate collision severity.
Steering Assistance: Systems like LKAS and RDM provide corrective steering inputs to help keep the vehicle in its lane.

AcuraWatch(TM) is designed to assist rather than replace the driver. While it offers significant support in maintaining vehicle control and avoiding hazards, it requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over at any moment. Drivers can also customize the level of assistance or disable certain features according to their preferences.

Conclusion

AcuraWatch(TM) exemplifies Acura's dedication to safety through technological advancement. By combining cutting-edge camera and radar systems, it provides a robust set of tools to enhance driver awareness and intervene when necessary to avoid collisions. While not a substitute for attentive driving, AcuraWatch(TM) significantly contributes to a safer driving experience, paving the way for future innovations in automated vehicle technology.