Anti-collision devices are expected to be an important and growing area of technology in 2015, experts say. However, they will not operate without the help of humans.
Planes, trains and buses -- anything that travels -- will eventually be outfitted with a range of innovative software products that aim to keep drivers and riders accident free, Forbes reports.
But it is the cars, where anti-collision technology will find the most growth.
BMW is a leader in this field. It recently debuted its ActiveAssist technology in an i3 electric car. Built on a laser scanner platform, the car hits the brakes when it approaches barriers or other cars.
Toyota will soon roll out vehicles with anti-collision packages, some of which will include a camera and laser radar.
Volvo plans to unveil a new two-way communication system that works with cars, bicycle helmets and a smartphone app, which should help drivers and cyclists avoid collisions.
Meanwhile in the air, small drones are flying around without any anti-collision devices on board. The Washington Post reports consumer controlled drones are too tiny to carry radar or transponders.
But sensor technologies will be an ever more critical platform for anti-collision devices, according to SAP Business Trends.
Tower cranes are having success avoiding collisions at high altitudes while on the job. French anti-collision software developer SK Group demonstrated its product, based on sensor software and hardware being installed in all machines on a construction site.
Collisions on construction sites can be avoided by remote control, the company said.
Sensors can determine when a collision could be imminent and then transmit information from the crane to an operator on the ground, who can take over the controls.
So while technology may be the key to avoiding collisions, the technology is not expected to supercede human controls. Remote monitoring will be an important part of keeping collisions from occurring.
