Bosch aims to improve pedestrian safety

A new Bosch safety system aims to improve protection for pedestrians and cyclists. It detects the impact of a human being and assists by triggering protective functions.

Electronic Pedestrian Protection (EPP) consists of acceleration sensors fitted to the front of the vehicle and a control unit used to trigger actuators that raise the vehicle's bonnet within a fraction of a second. This offers the impacting body a more efficient deformation zone and reduces the risk of injury.

Further developments, including the use of airbags, are also being considered as added measures. Vehicle makers can provide active impact protection with an independent control unit, or it can be integrated into airbag control units.