What is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in cars?
Autonomous Emergency Braking or AEB is an active safety feature in cars that automatically applies the brakes in emergencies. Car manufacturers use different brand terms for AEB, such as automatic emergency braking, brake assist, brake support, etc. Whatever the name is, the system's primary function — which we are going to explain in a while — remains the same.
AEB, as the name suggests, is an automatic braking system. The system detects obstacles (pedestrians, vehicles, etc.) and automatically applies the brakes or increases the braking force if the driver is applying the brakes insufficiently. AEB can slow down the car and stop the vehicle, depending on the speed, to avoid a potential collision. It's a highly efficient safety feature as it assists the driver or automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to do so.
Autonomous braking systems can be of different types depending on the make and model. Below are different kinds of AEB in cars.
1. Forward automatic emergency braking
In this type of system, AEB works in conjunction with the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system. FCW alerts the driver by sound or a visible sign on the dashboard. Generally, FCW activates before AEB kicks in. First, the FCW warns the driver about the obstacle ahead, and if the driver fails to take appropriate action, the automatic braking system intervenes.
2. Rear automatic emergency braking
It is a system where AEB comes into action if it detects any obstacles while reversing the car. It can be more of a convenience feature than a safety feature. In some vehicles, the rear AEB works with the rear cross-traffic alert, which detects the movement of vehicles behind your car when you are reversing. Reverse automatic braking can be helpful when reversing from a very tight parking spot.
3. AEB with pedestrian detection
This system is similar to forward AEB, where the autonomous braking system pairs with the forward-collision warning system capable of detecting pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals. If the FCW detects any pedestrians in front of the vehicle, the AEB applies the brakes to slow down or stop the car, provided the driver does not engage the brakes.
4. City speed AEB
As the name suggests, the system prevents collisions in cities, heavy traffic or parking lots. In other words, the city speed AEB works only at lower speeds. For instance, if you are driving on the road with bumper-to-bumper traffic, the AEB-city can avoid rear-ending a vehicle if you fail to apply the brakes in time. It’s a handy safety feature as it can prevent slow-speed collisions in cities.
5. Highway speed AEB
The name of the system is self-explanatory. In this system, the AEB works at high speeds, especially when driving on a highway. The AEB-highway system uses more advanced sensors to detect far-away obstacles. However, this type of automatic braking system can only slow down the car as much as possible before the collision, and it cannot bring the vehicle to a stop. So, the driver’s attention is required to avoid the collision, even with the AEB intervention.
How does the AEB system work?
AEB driver assistance system works with the help of a network of radar sensors mounted on the front grille, bumpers or windshield. Some systems also rely on cameras, and some advanced systems use both radar sensors and cameras. Initially, the use of radar sensors and cameras came into effect to enable the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, and AEB also relies on the same set of equipment.
Glance through the points below to understand the automatic emergency braking system working mechanism.
The sensors and/or cameras constantly monitor the distance between your car and the obstacle (moving car, pedestrian, etc.) ahead.
If the distance reduces rapidly, for instance, if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, the system immediately triggers a warning.
The driver receives an alert message via an audio or visual medium.
If you are too late to react, the AEB comes into action and automatically applies the brakes.
The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) monitors your input and can detect when you are off the throttle and applies the brakes manually. So, AEB will not kick in unnecessarily.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps AEB stop/slow down the vehicle efficiently.
The entry-level AEB systems work only at slow speeds. They can be helpful when you drive in the city.
The more sophisticated automatic braking systems work across a wider speed range. Hence, they may avoid or mitigate the intensity of a high-speed collision.
The most advanced AEB systems can also detect stationary objects, moving pedestrians, cyclists and cars.
Top AEB cars in India
Safety has been one of the talking points of the Indian automobile industry in the past few years. With essential safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors mandatory in India, the cars are much safer. However, AEB is not compulsory in India. But the government is mulling making active safety features mandatory in the coming years.
As of March 2022, only a few luxury and premium car brands offer automatic emergency braking. Below are the cars with autonomous emergency braking in India.
SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicle) with AEB
MG Astor
MG Gloster
Mahindra XUV700
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz GLA
BMW X7
Audi Q8
Cheapest cars with AEB
Below are some of the most affordable cars with AEB.