Bendix offers ADAS retrofit options

Bringing the latest in advanced driver assistance technologies to vehicles already in service, several capabilities of Bendix Wingman Fusion with Enhanced Feature Set are now available through the Bendix Upgrade Program. Enhanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Enhanced Stationary Vehicle Braking (SVB), and Multi-Lane AEB can be added to trucks equipped with earlier versions of Bendix Wingman Fusion collision mitigation system. The upgrades are available for certain models manufactured by International Trucks, Kenworth Truck Company, Mack Trucks, Peterbilt Motors Company, and Volvo Trucks NA.

“The AEB and SVB enhancements build on the original Fusion capabilities and allow for earlier detection, warnings, and – if necessary – interventions,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls. “Multi-Lane AEB was previously unavailable on earlier iterations of Fusion and would be an entirely new feature for helping drivers navigate the challenging situations they encounter on the roads every day.”

Bendix launched Wingman Fusion in 2015, integrating radar, camera, and a vehicle’s brake system to create its driver assistance system. Since then, Bendix has expanded and improved the capabilities of Fusion through advancements such as providing full braking power on the tractor and earlier object detection. Bendix Wingman Fusion with Enhanced Feature Set introduced even more improvements beginning in 2019.

With locations in over a dozen U.S. states, the Bendix network of Authorized Upgrade Centers (AUC) includes dealers and distributors that facilitate the installation of the company’s advanced safety systems on existing vehicles. Only Bendix-certified AUC technicians have the required knowledge, training, and specialized tools and techniques to perform these advanced safety system upgrades.

“While Bendix upgrades are available across a wide range of vehicle makes, models, and years, each individual upgrade is engineered for a specific vehicle to ensure a proper fit and correct operation,” said David Schultz, director of aftermarket business development, Bendix. “Although the upgrade process is generally a matter of a few hours, it’s highly technical work to integrate the new capabilities with the equipment already on a vehicle.”

Upgrades are covered by the Bendix warranty program and supported by the company’s post-installation network of driver and technician training materials, VIN tracking, and access to its full complement of technical support resources and tools. More information on the program and vehicle upgradability can be found at bendixcvsupgrade.com.

Bendix Wingman Fusion gathers input through radar, video, and the vehicle’s braking system, using sensors that work together and not just in parallel. The system creates a detailed and accurate data picture by combining and cross-checking this information, enabling capabilities such as full braking power on the tractor when needed. In addition to the enhanced rear-end collision mitigation and stationary vehicle braking available, the Bendix Upgrade Program introduces the Multi-Lane Autonomous Emergency Braking feature of Fusion. During a braking intervention, this feature means the system will continue applying Autonomous Emergency Braking if the driver changes lanes and the new lane is also blocked on the highway.

Other Fusion capabilities include stationary object alerts, overspeed alerts and intervention, and lane departure warning – all while prioritizing alerts to help reduce driver distraction. Wingman Fusion also helps drivers avoid additional crash situations, including rollovers and loss-of-control, because it is built on the Bendix ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability system. Event-based data – including video – from all Bendix Wingman Fusion features can be wirelessly transmitted for driver coaching and analysis by fleet safety personnel.

“Fleets tell us that driver feedback to Bendix Wingman Fusion has been positive – including higher satisfaction than with radar-only systems,” Thomas said. “Payback does vary by fleet operation. Fleets equipping Bendix Wingman Fusion have reported significant, measurable reductions in rear-end collisions and decreased severity of those that did occur. Fusion is making a difference to safety on the roads by supporting the men and women at the wheel.”

Bendix emphasizes that no technology replaces the need for skilled, alert drivers practicing safe driving habits, and that ongoing, proactive, comprehensive training is crucial to fleet and driver safety. Safe operation of the vehicle ultimately remains in the hands of the driver at all times, and advanced driver assistance systems are not meant to encourage or enable aggressive driving.

Through collision mitigation systems like Fusion and its entire portfolio of technologies, Bendix delivers on areas that are critical to fleet and owner-operator success, including safety, equipment reliability, performance and efficiency, and lower total cost of ownership. By encouraging investment in systems that enhance vehicle and driver safety, Bendix works continuously toward the goal of an accident-free future and safer roads across North America.